The Piano Lesson Study Guide

Glossary of Terms

abode

residence, dwelling, home

akin

similar, analogous, related

casters

a small wheel placed under a piece of heavy furniture to help it move

commandment

a command, law, or mandate

discerning

showing good judgment or understanding

empowered

to invest with power, enable

exorcism

the driving out of spirits from a person or place by conjuration

frenzy

extreme mental agitation, wild disorder

ham hock

a small cut of meat from the leg just above the foot

hesitant

undecided, doubtful, disinclined

humble

insignificant, inferior, subservient

liable

likely or apt

portent

an indication or omen of something about to happen

statutes

decree or edict, as of a ruler

subside

to ease, lessen, abate

yank

to pull sharply