The Stone Angel

The Stone Angel Glossary

bric-a-brac

assorted small decorative items

cauterized

burned to stop bleeding, such as in a medical procedure

churlish

rude in a mean-spirited and surly way

daft

confused, stupid, or deranged

embalmed

prepared for burial, typically by replacing the blood with a special fluid to halt decomposition

fastidious

very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

frizzled

uncontrollably curled and tangled

harking

alerting or calling in an attempt to guide

incongruous

not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something

leer

to overtly look at, ogle, or gaze upon disrespectfully

lief

as happily; as gladly

noggin

one-quarter of an Imperial pint (about half an Imperial cup), or two "glasses." An archaic term of measurement. Also used as a slang term for somebody's head.

pompous

with excessive pride and dignity

portly

of large size; overweight

primly

daintily, carefully, and with decorum

rampant

walking or running wildly or in an out-of-control manner

stalemate

a situation in which neither person can obtain an advantage (from chess)

uncouth

coarse and uncultured

unendowed

not having been given

velveteen

a plush cloth similar to velvet, but far less expensive, often used in children's clothing or toys