The Importance of Being Earnest Study Guide

Glossary of Terms

a christening

a ceremony of baptism

Anabaptist

a radical Christian sect that saw christening as a confirmation of faith so deemed it inappropriate for infants and supported adult baptism, instead

apoplexy

a fit of extreme anger that causes death; a stroke

bunburying

inventing a false person to allow one to leave one's own unpleasant situation

credulity

tending to believe too quickly

effrontery

presumptuousness

Egeria

a Roman nymph who advised a king; any female advisor

Gorgon

in Greek mythology, the three sisters including Medusa who had snakes for hair; here, an ugly or terrifying woman

horticultural

having to do with a garden

lorgnette

a pair of eyeglasses with a handle

misanthrope

one who hates people

perambulator

baby carriage

portmanteau

a large, hinged leather suitcase

quixotic

idealistic without being pratical; seeking something unattainable

salver

tray for serving food and/or drinks

smart

well-dressed

the Club

private location where men gather together to drink, discuss politics, gossip, and smoke