New (old) Words
Listed here are forgotten and newly acquired words discovered while reading
The Riddle of the Sands by, Erskine Childers
We are reading The Riddle of the Sands in celebration of Erskine Childers's birthday: June 25, 1870. "Take a step or two forward lads ... It will be easier that way." ~ Robert Erskind Childers Documentary about Erskine Childers
PLENIPOTENTIARY: a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government, typically in a foreign country.
ReplyDeleteEMINENCE: a position of prominence or superiority
ReplyDeleteCAVIL: an objection seen as petty or unnecessary
ReplyDeleteAUK: any of several black-and-white short-necked diving seabirds of the alcid family that breed in colder parts of the northern hemisphere
ReplyDeleteSPURIOUS: not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
ReplyDeleteNEMESIS: the inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall.
ReplyDeleteMOIETY: each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided.
ReplyDeletePORTMANTEAU: a large trunk or suitcase, typically made of stiff leather and opening into two equal parts.
ReplyDeleteGLADSTONE: a suitcase with flexible sides on a rigid frame that opens flat into two equal compartments
ReplyDeleteGROG: spirits (originally rum) mixed with water.
ReplyDeleteANEROID: relating to or denoting a barometer that measures air pressure by the action of the air in deforming the elastic lid of an evacuated box or chamber.
ReplyDeleteTORPOR: a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.
ReplyDeleteABAFT: in or behind the stern of a ship
ReplyDeleteFO'C'SLE: the forward part of a ship below the deck, traditionally used as the crew's living quarters.
ReplyDeleteHALYARD: a rope used for raising and lowering a sail, spar, flag, or yard on a sailing ship.
ReplyDeleteJIBE: a sailing maneuver whereby a sailing vessel reaching downwind turns its stern through the wind, such that the wind direction changes from one side of the boat to the other.
ReplyDeleteSCULLS: each of a pair of small oars used by a single rower.
ReplyDeleteSANG FROID: composure or coolness, sometimes excessive, as shown in danger or under trying circumstances.
ReplyDeleteMURRAIN: a plague, epidemic, or crop blight.
ReplyDeleteGAUCHERIE: awkward, embarrassing, or unsophisticated ways.
ReplyDeletePHALANX: a body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation.
ReplyDeleteGALLIOT: a single-masted Dutch cargo boat or fishing vessel.
ReplyDeleteSORDID: dirty or squalid.
ReplyDeleteSOU'-WESTER: a waterproof hat with a broad flap covering the neck.
ReplyDeleteKEDGE: a small anchor used to reposition a ship or boat by having the anchor's hawser hauled in.
ReplyDeleteJETTISON: throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship.
ReplyDeleteINANE: silly; stupid
ReplyDeleteSHIBBOLETH: a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.
ReplyDeleteACHARNEMENT: French for "fury"
ReplyDeleteSIBILANT: making or characterized by a hissing sound.
ReplyDeleteMAUVAIS QUART D'HEURE: French for "bad quarter of an hour"
ReplyDeleteARCHIPELAGO: a group of islands.
ReplyDeleteMARAUDERS: a person who marauds; a raider.
ReplyDeleteBUMPKIN: a short boom projecting from a sailing ship, used as in securing a stay or brace.
ReplyDeleteCOLLIER: a ship carrying coal.
ReplyDeleteCAD: a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward a woman.
ReplyDeleteMARE'S NEST: a complex and difficult situation; a muddle.
ReplyDeleteAKIMBO: with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.
ReplyDeleteGARRULOUS: excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
ReplyDeleteSPINNAKER: a large three-cornered sail, typically bulging when full, set forward of the mainsail of a yacht when running before the wind.
ReplyDeletePHILANDERER: (of a man) to make love with a woman one cannot or will not marry; carry on flirtations.
ReplyDeleteTAM-O'-SHANTER: a round woolen or cloth cap of Scottish origin, with a pom-pom in the center.
ReplyDeleteSTYGIAN: very dark.
ReplyDeleteSCHRECKLICH: German for "terrible"
ReplyDeleteADROIT: clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYAWL: a two-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailboat with the mizzenmast stepped far aft so that the mizzen boom overhangs the stern.
CASUISTRY: the use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; sophistry.
ReplyDeleteIMBROGLIO: an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
ReplyDeleteULSTER: a man's long, loose overcoat of rough cloth, typically with a belt at the back.
ReplyDeletePINCE NEZ: eyeglasses clipped to the nose by a spring
ReplyDeleteFLESH POTS: places providing luxurious or hedonistic living.
ReplyDeleteRECONNOITRE: make a military observation of (a region).
ReplyDeleteDOTTLE: a remnant of tobacco left in a pipe after smoking.
ReplyDeleteCARRONADE: a short large-caliber cannon, formerly in naval use.
ReplyDeleteCRETONNE: a heavy cotton fabric, typically with a floral pattern printed on one or both sides, used for upholstery.
ReplyDeleteEXECRATION: an angry denouncement or curse.
ReplyDeleteSTERTOROUS: of breathing) noisy and labored.
ReplyDeleteRETOUR OFFENSIF: French for "offensive return"
ReplyDeleteLITTORAL: relating to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.
ReplyDeleteMARPLOT: a person who mars or defeats a plot, design, or project by meddling.
ReplyDeleteGUERDON: a reward or recompense.
ReplyDelete