What Maisie Knew

What Maisie Knew Glossary

in loco parentis

Latin for "in place of a parent": someone acting as guardian to a child

tutelary

serving as a protector, guardian, or patron.

residuum

a substance or thing that remains or is left behind.

objurgation

a harsh reprimand or criticism.

haitch

the letter "H" as pronounced in some dialects of English, particularly lower-class British English.

dormant

having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; temporarily inactive.

bequeathed

leave (a personal estate or one's body) to a person or other beneficiary by a will.

appendage

a thing that is added or attached to something larger or more important.

martyr

a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.

diadem

a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty.

obliquity

deviating from the horizontal or vertical.

snuff

powdered tobacco that is sniffed up the nostril rather than smoked.

homeliness

not having elegance, refinement, or cultivation.

brougham

a horse-drawn carriage with a roof, four wheels, and an open driver's seat in front.

hansom

a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage accommodating two inside, with the driver seated behind.

drollery

whimsical humor.

colloquies

a conversation.

confederate

a person one works with, especially in something secret or illegal; an accomplice.

pelisse

a woman's cloak with armholes or sleeves, reaching to the ankles.

duenna

an older woman acting as a governess and companion in charge of girls, especially in a Spanish family.

peregrination

a journey, especially a long or meandering one.

candour

the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

reticence

inclination to be silent or uncommunicative in speech.

edification

the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually.

quandary

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.