Vagrant
Wandering; vagabond
Obstinate
Stubborn, especially with regard to views or opinions
Capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Excise
To tax or to remove
Chador
Unlike a hijab (which covers only the head), a niqab (which leaves only the eyes visible), and a burqa (which covers the entire body and face), a chador is a head and body covering that leaves the face visible and opens down the middle, requiring the woman to hold it closed. The chador is most popular in Iran.
Upsilamba
A word created by author Vladimir Nabokov, the exact meaning is not known, and Nafisi has students come up with their own definitions.
Gnostic
Of or relating to knowledge, especially esoteric mystical knowledge
Mullah
A Muslim learned in Islamic theology and sacred law
Ayatollah
A Shiite religious leader in Iran
Solipsism
A theory that the self is all that can be known to exist; a term also used to imply egocentrism or indulgence of one's feelings and desires
Prelude
An action or event that acts as an introduction; a piece of music that opens a larger work such as an opera or suite
Erudite
Having great knowledge
Malleable
Pliable; able to be bent, shaped, or influenced
Abdicated
To give up power or responsibility; used especially of monarchs or governments
Euphoric
To experience intense happiness or excitement
Intercostal Neuralgia
Pain of the chest wall
Cant
Hypocritical and sanctimonious OR in fashion, especially used of words or phrases
Namahram
Nafisi writes that "no Muslim man would or should touch a namahram woman - a woman other than his wife, mother or sister" (98). In Islamic sharia law, a mahram is someone with whom marriage or intercourse would be considered incestuous due to blood ties.
Tepid
Lukewarm, often used to describe liquids or metaphorical lack of enthusiasm
Candor
Open and honest expression
Hakim
"Men of knowledge" in Arabic
"Nest of Spies"
A term used to describe the American Embassy in Tehran, especially in 1979
