Cairn
An arrangement of stones used to mark a particular location
Brollies
A British slang term for an umbrella
Muranë
The Albanian word for a gravestone made of rocks
Kulla
The Albanian word for the tower-like homes in which the characters in the novel live
Kanun
The Albanian word for "code" or "canon"
Krushks
The Albanian word for the members of a bridal party
Krushkapar
The Albanian word for the senior member of a bridal party, often the bride's father
Rrafsh
The Albanian word for a high plateau
Bessa
The Albanian word for "oath"
Fob
A chain that attaches a watch to a pocket on a shirt or jacket
Victuals
Another word for supplies of food
Prenk
Albanian word for "prince"
Gjaks
Albanian word for "killers" or "murderers"
Coverlet
A blanket placed on top of a bed
Gjakhups
An Albanian word combining the words for “blood” and “to lose,” referring to the years in which one is not required to honor blood feuds
Lahoute
An instrument with a single string attached to a long wooden neck
Carapace
A protective covering extending from a building
Ungainly
Awkward or clumsy
Vespers
An evening prayer
Loophole
An ambiguity or error that allows one to avoid a law or rule
Scrupulous
Attentive to details
Barometer
An instrument used to measure air pressure
Bird-Lime
An adhesive substance that is used to trap prey, often birds
Pruned
Cut back
Groschen
A unit of currency used in the novel
Geometer
An individual trained in the practice of measuring distances
Ostracism
The practice of forcibly excluding or distancing an individual from a larger group
Justicer
According to the Kanun, one who must avenge the dead in a blood feud
Superfluous
Unnecessary or serving no purpose
Periodicals
Magazines or journals published regularly
Papal
Relating to the Catholic Pope
Ledger
A book that stores financial information, often relating to debts
Bloodfeudology
A term used in the novel to describe the study of the blood feuds
Blood-sickness
A term used in the novel to refer to the guilt felt by those participating in blood feuds
Culpability
Being responsible for an action or wrongdoing
Conjectures
A conclusion or assumption based on incomplete evidence
