The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows Glossary

appurtenance

an accessory or item that is associated with a certain style or activity

assent

to express approval or agreement

avidity

eagerness or enthusiasm

bijou

a house or structure that is small, dainty, and elegant

candid

straightforward and frank

capricious

fickle; whimsical; characterized by abrupt changes in mood or behavior

carousing

being lively and noisy, generally as a result of drinking alcohol

clangorous

characterized by loud, confusing noises

consummate

showing a high degree of skill

copses

small groups of trees; small wooded areas

gentry

an English social class of people considered directly inferior to those of noble birth

languorous

in a sleepy, dreamy state

mullion

a vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window

panoply

an impressive collection or display

paroxysm

a sudden attack of emotion or expression

quell

to subdue or put an end to, usually relating to disorder or chaos

sinuous

something characterized by its curves and turns

subterfuges

deceits used to achieve one’s goal

trestles

the legs of a framework in a bridge or a table

valuation

an estimation of worth

voluble

using energetic, incessant speech

weir

a low dam built across a river to raise the level of water to regulate the river’s flow