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My lexicon of words for creative writing (for current, archaic, and obsolete use) |
Fabulous Words for Creative Writing Just sharing my personal lexicon... This will be updated as I run across cool words, especially the uses of common words no longer practiced regularly, or certain homonyms (words that sound alike but are spelled differently: i.e. to, too, two; or, oar, ore; and are, our). Many words below are less commonly used today, meanings have changed over time, while others have gone archaic or obsolete. If you have an extraordinary word to add, let me know -I love to share- and feel free to use words below as they strike your fancy. - These lists use paraphrased definitions and synonyms. For more detailed information (i.e. "Circa" data, additional meanings, synonyms, antonyms, examples of use in a sentence, etc.) credit goes mostly to this site: http://dictionary.com (and http://thesaurus.com). - "Circa" entries are estimated origins of the listed word and may be useful for more accurate character dialog/thoughts during a given timeframe for Historicals. Anything prior to circa 900 utilizes "Middle" language spellings and older (i.e. Middle English, Old Norse, etc.). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New words since last update: Alms Clevis Defer Dere Eidolon Foetid Hank (additional textile ref here: "Accents sub-List (Clothing)"  )Marrow Metonymy Morn Morrow Mourn Peri Pedantic Rapine Seraglio (corrected misspelling of "serai" for "serail") Skein (additional textile ref here: "Accents sub-List (Clothing)" )Tarry Trawl Yon ----------------------- Scone Sconce The above two words are thanks to two published writers and their copyeditors who failed to catch the accidental missuse of the words. Missing one letter can mean the difference between your torches or romantic candles being held by a set of brackets mounted on a wall or jammed into a pastry. (pun fully intended) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -A- Adventuress – [circa 1745-55] a female adventurer; a female schemer to win social position, wealth without scruples or by questionable means Aesthetic (also esthetic or esthetic) – [circa 1815-25] cosmetically appealing Agone – [circa 1000] archaic: ago; gone by; past Agonic – [circa 1800-65] not forming an angle, having no angle Alms – [circa 1000] donations given to the poor or needy (money, food, goods) as charity Allude (as opposed to "Elude") - [circa 1525-35] to mention; to refer casually or indirectly; to contain a casual or indirect reference - [circa 1533] to mock, joke, jest, make fun of; make a fanciful reference to Aphrodisia – [circa 1820-30] sexual desire Aphrodisiac – [circa 1710-20] arousing sexual desire, a food, drug, potion or other agent to arouse sexual desire Argent [circa 1400-50] - archaic: silver or white, also money - (Heraldry) the tincture "silver" Aright – [circa 1000] correctly, properly, right Arras – [circa 1375-1425] rich tapestry or theatre curtain "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" Ascetic – [circa 1640-50] a monk or monklike existence, rigorously abstinent, self-disciplined Askant – [circa 1520-30] (also askance) (tilted) to the side with suspicion, mistrust, disapproval, doubt; a sideways or oblique glance Atavistic – [circa 1870-75] suggesting characteristic of a remote ancestor or primitive type; the reappearance of throwback characteristics Athwart [circa 1425-75] - crossways, from side-to-side - in opposition to, contrary to Auld – [circa 900] (Scot) old (i.e. days of yore; "Auld Lang Syne" – "old long since") Automata – [circa 1605-15] plural of automation, automaton, robot Avant – [circa 1600-10] (as opposed to "Avaunt") Obsolete: van; the front of an army, vanguard Avaunt – [circa 1275-1325] (as opposed to "Avant") archaic: away, leave, begone (i.e. let us away); hence; to raise, to elevate, exalt Aver – [circa 1350-1400] assert or affirm with confidence; declare in a positive manner -B- Bagnio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagnio - [circa 1590-1600] archaic: prison for slaves (esp. in the Orient, i.e. Turkey & the Barbary regencies) - [circa 1740] a place where one could get a room for the night, no questions asked; later, a brothel Bedim – [circa 1560-70] to make dim, darken, obscure; muddle, overcast, shroud Bedizen – [circa 1655-65] gaudy or showy adornment or dress "Adjectives sub-List (Clothing)" Beetle (not the insect definition) - [circa 900] a heavy hammering or ramming instrument, usually of wood, used to drive wedges, force down paving stones, compress loose earth - [circa 1325-75] projecting; overhanging; jut out, as "beetle brows"; to hang or tower over in a threatening manner; to loom Beetling (not the insect definition) - [circa 900] (Brit) to move quickly; scurry - [circa 900] to use a beetle on; drive, ram, beat or crush with a beetle; to finish (cloth) with a beetling machine "Fabrics/Textiles sub-List" Betoken – [circa 1125-75] to give evidence, portend Boar – [circa 1000] (as opposed to Boer, Boor, Bore) - the uncastrated male swine; a wild boar - Old World wild hog, narrow of body with prominent tusks; the forerunner of the domestic swine - (South Midland and Southern US) the male of an animal esp. full-grown (i.e. a boar-cat, beaver, raccoon, guinea pig, etc.) Boer – [circa 1825-35] (as opposed to Boar, Bore) (variant of Boor) a white native South African of Dutch descent (typically a colonist, peasant, or farmer) Boma – [circa unknown] (Eastern or Central Africa) a livestock enclosure or kraal (Afrikaans & south African English word for cattle enclosure) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraal), a corral; a stockade or fort; a district government office http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boma_(enclosure) Boor – [circa 1545-55] (as opposed to Boar, Bore) (variant of Boer) - peasant; surf; farmer; rustic; country bumpkin; yokel - a churlish, uncouth, rude or ill-mannered person; ill-bred (the boor at the party) - having little refinement Bore – [circa 900] (as opposed to Boar, Boer, Boor) - to pierce or cut into a solid substance with a rotary tool making a smooth round hole - a hole made or enlarged by boring - the inside diameter of a hole, tube, cylindrical item or device - to force an opening through a crowd - past tense of "bear" - [circa 1760-70] to weary by dullness; to cause annoyance from boredom - [circa 1275-1325] (also tidal bore) an abrupt tidal water moving rapidly inland Brainpan – [circa 1000] (also braincase) skull or cranium Braw – [circa 1555-65] (Scot & North England) (pronounced "brah") excellent, fine-looking, dressed in a fine or gaudy manner "Adjectives sub-List (Clothing)" Brow [circa 1000] - ridge of the eyebrow and forehead; the eyebrow(s); the forehead - of a facial expression (troubled brow; knitted brow) - projecting upper edge of a steep place (cliffs, hills, precipice) Bruit [circa 1400-50] - archaic: report; rumor; fame - archaic: noise, din, clamor -C- Caliche – [circa 1850-60] (also duricrust, hardpan) surface deposits of detrital matter (sand or clay) impregnated with crystalline salts (sodium nitrate or sodium chloride); a zone of calcium carbonate or other carbonates in soils of semiarid climates (Chile, Peru, & Southwest United States); the whitish crust often seen on swamp coolers in semiarid regions Caliginous – [circa 1540-50] archaic: dark, misty, dim, gloomy, obscure Callose – [circa 1860-65] (as opposed to "Callous") thickened or hardened spots Callous – [circa 1375-1425] (as opposed to "Callose") (also callus) made hardened, (emotionally) indifferent; hardened skin from constant wear or rubbing Capricious – [circa 1585-95] subject to or led by caprice or whim; changeable, transient, unreliable, whimsical; archaic: fanciful or witty Carven – [circa 1000] archaic: carved Chaffer – [circa 1175-1225] to haggle; barter; to trade or deal in; to bandy words Chalice – [circa 900] drinking cup or goblet; the wine contained in it; a cuplike blossom Chemise (clothing or masonry) [circa 1050] - woman's loose-fitting underdress (undergarment) "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - a revetment (facing of masonry) for an earthen embankment Chiropter – [circa 1825-30] a bat; mammals of the order Chiroptera and has forelimbs with modified wings, making up the bats Chiropteran – [circa 1825-35] batlike Choleric – [circa 1300-50] easily angered; irascible; extremely irritable Circa – [circa 1860-65] about; approximate dates Clamor [circa 1350-1400] - a loud (sometimes continued) uproar - a vehement expression - to drive, force, or influence Clangor – [circa 1585-95] loud resonant sound, clang Clave [circa 900] - archaic of cleave (NOT "Cloven", as in two-toed hooves); adhere closely, stick, cling; to remain faithful - syncopated two-part musical pattern Clavi – [circa 1800-10] (Rome) the purple vertical stripe worn by senators and equites (Roman knights) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_(Roman). "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" Clavis – [circa unknown] a key; glossary Clevis – [circa 1585-95] a U-shaped coupler through which a pin is run; used to attach a drawbar to a plow, wagon or trailer Claret [circa 1350-1400] - a dry, red (originally light red or yellowish) table wine from Bordeaux region in France - [circa 1398] "light-colored wine" - to drink (the wine); they clareted all night - deep-purplish red, a greyish-purple shade of red - (slang) blood Clum – [circa 1300-50] (variant of coom) coal dust; slack; inferior grade anthracite Coeval – [circa 1595-1605] of the same age; contemporary Condottiere – [circa 1785-95] leader of a mercenary band; any mercenary; soldier of fortune Congeal – [circa 1350-1400] to change from a fluid state to a rigid or solid state; curdle, coagulate; to become fixed as of ideas, sentiments, or principles Contrary – [circa 1200-50] stubbornly opposed; taking the opposite direction or position; unfavorable or adverse; perverse; willful; recalcitrant in behavior Coom – [circa 1580-90] (variant of clum; also coomb) soot, coal dust, smut (as a partical of soot); sawdust; grease from axle bearings Coomb – [circa Old English cumb = valley] (also (Brit.) combe, coombe, (Brit. Celt) cwm) a deep valley, esp. on the flank of a hill or enclosed on all but one side Coping - [circa 1175-1225] "a long mantle (esp. of silk) worn by ecclesiastics over the alb or in surplice in processions and on other occasions" sic (http://dictionary.com) "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - [circa 1175-1225] any cloaklike or canopylike covering "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - [circa 1175-1225] the sky - [circa 1400-50] barter; exchange; trade - [circa unknown] hostile contest; to struggle; to combat esp. with intent to make equal or succeed - [circa 1565-75] (Falconry) to clip or dull as of bird talons or beak - [circa unknown] (Masonry) the top layer, bricks or course of a masonry wall, usually slanted to shed water - [circa 1175-1225] (Metallurgy) Coping: upper half of a flask; Drag: Lower half of a flask - [circa 1565–75] (Woodworking/Metalworking) to form a joint; to join - [circa 1300-50] archaic: to meet; to come into contact (usually "coping with") - [circa 1300-50] obsolete: encounter; to come into contact with Copra – [circa 1575-85] the dried (white) flesh/kernel/meat of the coconut from which coconut oil is extracted Corpulent – [circa 1350-1400] large or bulky of body, portly, stout, fat Crawl [circa 1150-1200] - slow movement or progression on hands and knees - to visit or frequent a series (i.e. of bars), to haunt - to behave remorseful, abject, or cringing manner - to be or feel overrun (i.e. with insects) - (of ceramics) to spread unevenly upon a surface Cromlech – [circa 1595-1605] (Archaeology) obsolete: a megalithic portal tomb or chamber tomb; dolmen Cuff [circa 1520-30] – (Non-clothing reference) to strike or blow with the fist or open hand; beat; buffet; slap; hit "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" Cup [circa 1000] (not referring to clothing parts) "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - a small, open-mouthed container (of various materials) used for containing drinks; a measure that it can hold - a bowellike part of a goblet; chalice - in one's cups: intoxicated, drunk - action: to shape like a cup; to cup one's hands; she cupped her ear Cur [circa 1175-1225] (as opposed to "Curr") originally curdogge, shortened from curdog; an inferior, mixed breed, mongrel, worthless or unfriendly dog; a base, cowardly, despicable or mean person Curr [circa 1670-80] (as opposed to "Cur") (ON grumble, murmur) a low, purring sound, as a cat -D- Decoction – [circa 1375-1425] the act of extracting the flavor or essence by boiling; to make concentrated; boiling down; steep in hot water; cooked until very little liquid is left Defer (as opposed to "Differ") - [circa 1325-75] to put off or delay action or decision to a future time; (Military) to delay or exempt from induction into military service for a future date (usually) to accommodate a military need (e.g. to accommodate an individual's aptitude for a field that is not yet available, or the individual's need to attend legal, medical or family obligations prior to military service) - [circa 1400-50] to yield respectfully in judgment or opinion; to submit for decision; refer Defile - [circa 1275-1325] make foul, dirty, or unclean; pollute; taint; debase - [circa 1275-1325] to violate the chastity of - [circa 1275-1325] to desecrate; to make impure for ceremonial use - [circa 1275-1325] to sully, as a person's reputation - [circa 1675-85] a narrow pass or gorge that restricts lateral movement; to march in a line or by files - (Military) (defilade) the act of raising the exterior works in order to protect the interior Dere – [circa 1000] (also dear) archaic: hard; grievous; (of Old English déor brave; bold; severe) Desultory – [circa 1575-85] wavering, unsteady, erratic Devious [circa 1590-1600] - not straightforward; shifty or crooked - departing from the accepted way; roundabout - vagrant - deviating, circuitous, indirect Dewlap – [circa 1350-1400] pendulous fold of skin (said of the throat of some lizards and turkeys) Diablerie [circa 1745-55] - diabolic magic or art; sorcery; witchcraft - the domain or realm of devils - the lore of devils; demonology - reckless mischief; deviltry Dint – [circa 900] archaic: a blow; stroke; force, power; to make a dent in; a dent Distaff [circa 1000] - attachment of a spinning wheel (also called a rock) that winds wool or flax before spinning http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distaff "Fabrics/Textiles sub-List" - (sometimes offensive) noting pertaining, characteristic of, or suitable to a woman; female; "female sensitiveness"; "female suffrage" - archaic: a woman or women collectively; woman's work; sphere of work done by women Dolmen – [circa 1855-60] (Archaeology) (also portal tomb, cromlech) a prehistoric megalithic tomb structure consisting of two or more large, upright, stones set to support a space between, capped by a horizontal capstone. Possibly from tolmen "enormous stone slab set up on supporting points" such that a man can walk under, literally "hole of stone" (Celt – men = "stone"; Bret. – taol = "table"; Latin – tabula = "board, plank"). Doublet (clothing or lapidary) [circa 1300-30] - "a man's snug-fitting buttoned jacket that was worn from the late 14th century to the mid 17th century" (quote from Wikipedia) "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - "an assembled gem composed in two sections, such as a garnet overlaying green glass" (quote from Wikipedia) -E- Eerie (also eery) – [circa 1250-1300] uncanny, inspiring superstitious fear, weird Eidolon [circa 1820–30] - a phantom; an apparition - an image of an ideal; an ideal Elude (as opposed to "Allude") - [circa 1530-40] avoid capture by quickness or cleverness; escape from, make a fool of - [circa 1530-40] not comprehending; not understanding Entomolin – [circa 1830-40] Chitin; exoskeleton (outer covering) for insects, crustaceans, and arachnids Ere – [circa 900] (also 'ere) a bygone era, before, previous, rather than Esthetic (also esthetic or aesthetic) – [circa 1815-25] cosmetically appealing Exalted – [circa 1585-95] raised or elevated, noble, lofty, rapturously excited -F- Faerie (also Fairy, Faery, Fae, Fay) (as opposed to "Feirie") - [circa 1250-1300] "Fairy" in folklore a supernatural class of beings, usually having diminutive form and possessing magic powers (sometimes helpful, sometimes harmful); the nature of fairies; fairylike - [circa 1300] enchantment, magic, illusion; an enchantress - [circa 1580-90] "Faerie" or "Fairyland" – the imaginary land of fairies; any enchantingly beautiful area - [circa 1350-1400] "Fay" – a fairy or an elf - archaic: a fairy; - [circa 1250-1300] obsolete: faith - to join or fit closely or tightly - variant of "Fair" - free from spots, clean; without mark or hue; pleasing to the eye, handsome; light skin, fair complexioned; favorable; inspiring hope - "Fairy Green" – a medium yellow-green color Faint – [circa 1250-1300] (as opposed to "Feint") dizzy, insubstantial, pass out, swoon, vague, weak Fair [circa 900] (as opposed to "Fare") (not exhibition definitions) - state of between excellent and poor (as of quality) - honest; justly (he was a fair judge) - promising; likely (a fair chance) - deceptively good but not in truth (a fair speech) - courteous; civil (fair words) - (also Fay) pale as of skin, hair and/or eyes (blonde) ; not dark (brunette) - pleasing in appearance - (also Fay) free from blemish that impairs the appearance, quality or character (a fair reputation) - moderately large; ample - scarcely; barely - straight; directly - the progress of a vessel - archaic: a woman; a beloved woman - obsolete: to make fair Fare [circa 1000] (as opposed to "Fair") (non-monetary definitions) - to travel; journey - eat and drink; food. diet - to turn out; happen - archaic: the state of things (i.e. health) Feckless [circa 1590-1600] (Similar, but lesser, to "Reckless") - ineffective, incompetent, futile - having no sense of responsibility, indifferent, lazy Feint – [circa 1275-1325] (as opposed to "Faint") bluff, deceit, dodge Feirie – [circa 1375-1425] (as opposed to "Fairy" or "Faerie") (Scot) healthy; strong Felicitation – [circa 1700-10] expression of good wishes, joy, happiness; congratulations Fell [circa 900] - to knock, strike, shoot or cut down; - (sewing) finishing a seam edge by flattening it - (Old Norse) fjell – mountains "Fell to" – [circa unknown] as used in a phrase or statement (i.e. He fell to eat.) Fere – [circa 1000] (pronounced as "feer") a companion, mate, spouse Ferment [circa 1350-1400] (not the making of alcohol definition) - agitation, unrest, excitement, commotion, tumult - to inflame; foment - to seethe with excitement Fescue [circa 1350-1400] - also fescue grass – grass cultivated for pasture or lawns - a pointer or stick used for pointing out items (on a board) for learning Fetter – [circa 900] confine, constrain, chain or shackle of the feet Flagon [circa 1425-75] - large bottle for wine, liquors, etc. - large metal or pottery bottle for drinking liquids at the table, usually with a lid (cover, stopper), handle and spout - the quantity of liquid such a vessel can hold - [circa 1459] "bottle" Flex [circa 1515-1525] - to bend (as the body) - to contract (as a muscle) Flask [circa 1375-1425] (Middle English "cask", "keg"; 1355 Middle Latin flasco = "container, bottle") - a flat, usually thin (metal) container for liquor - a round, long-necked vial for laboratory uses (glass); Vacuum flask - a double-walled container to keep contents from losing or gaining heat - frame for holding sand in a foundry - (Ordnance) armored plates making up (the sides of) a gun-carriage trail; container case for gunpowder or shot - (Ordnance) [Circa 1570-80] obsolete: gun carriage bed Flex [circa 1515-1525] - to bend (as the body) - to contract (as a muscle) Foetid (also fetid) – [circa 1590-1600] having an offensive odor; stinking; reeking Foetor (also fetor) – [circa 1475-1500] strong offensive smell, stench Foment [circa 1350-1400] - instigate, foster, promote the growth or development of - apply water, medicated liquid, or ointments to the body Ford – [circa 900] to wade across a shallow body of water Fork [circa 1000] (lesser used definitions) - History of its use (and types) as an eating utensil: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fork - the barbed head of an arrow - principle tributary of water - (Middle English) "forke" a digging fork - (Old English) [circa 1463] "forca" a forked instrument used for torture - (Anatomy) the angle formed at the inner legs where the meet the trunk; crotch - region of angle formed by two branches; the crotch of a tree - [circa 1364] (Middle English) "pichen" to throw, thrust - [circa 1425-75] pitchfork - long-handled fork for pitching (tossing) hay, stalks of grain, etc. Forward [circa 900] (as opposed to "Froward") - up ahead; advance; promote; move toward a place or time; to send ahead - ready, eager, or prompt - front of a traveling vessel (boat, aircraft, etc.) - radical or extreme as in opinion - to bring out into view or consideration - presumptuous, bold, or impertinent Froward – [circa 1150-1200] (as opposed to "Forward") willfully contrary; not easily managed; disobedient; obstinate Furtive – [circa 1480-90] taken, done, used by stealth; sly, shifty manner -G- Gelid – [circa 1600-10] extremely or bitterly cold; icy atmosphere; icy hands; arctic cold; glacial winds; polar cold; to change from a fluid to a frozen state Gild [circa 1300-50] - to cover with gilt (gold) - archaic: to make red, as to smear with blood - alt. spelling for "guild" – an organization of people with similar interests and goals, esp. with the interest of mutual aid or protection Gird (also girt) [circa 950] - encircle or bind with a belt or band - surround, enclose in - prepare (oneself) for action - provide with power or strength Girt (see gird and girth) [circa 950] (not carpentry or printing definitions) Girth (also girt) [circa 1300-50] - circumference of something; size, bulk - a band going under the body for a saddle - to bind or fasten with a girth - to girdle, encircle Gloaming – [circa 1000] (usually referred to as "the gloaming") the light as twilight, dusk, dawn Goblet - [circa 1300-50] drinking glass with a foot (base) and stem; archaic: drinking bowl with no handles - [circa 1380] from "to gulp down" Grisly – [circa 1150] shudder or feeling of horror; horrible; gruesome; formidable or grim (as countenance) Grope – [circa 900] search blindly or uncertainly (in darkness); touch or handle in (sexual) pleasure Grubstake – [circa 1860-65] provisions, gear; money or assistance to start (an enterprise) -H- Habiliment – [circa 1375-1425] clothes or clothing worn in a particular profession; accouterments, trappings (i.e. wizard's garb, a nun's habit, a monk's or clerical attire, a baker's outfit with toque (chef's hat)) "Adjectives sub-List (Clothing)" Haft – [circa 1000] (as opposed to "Heft") a handle, esp. for a sword, knife or dagger Hagueton – [circa 1250-1300] (also acton, ackton, aketon) armor; a stuffed jacket plated with mail; a quilted garment worn under mail; gambeson "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" Hank - a form of the masculine name "Henry" - [circa 1294] from Old Norse honk, hank "clasp" related to hang - [circa 1400] a looped bundle as of yarn, said of skein as in a "hank of yarn" "Fabulous Words for Creative Writing" - [circa 1175-1225] a coil, knot, or loop said of hair - (Nautical) -noun, "a ring, link, or shackle for securing the luff of a staysail or jib to its stay or the luff or head of a gaff sail to the mast or gaff"; -verb, "to fasten (a sail) by means of hanks" (quotes from http://dictionary.reference.com) Hardpan [circa 1810-20] - fundamental or basic aspect of anything; underlying reality; a solid foundation - a foundation; bedrock; hard, unbroken ground; caliche Harken – [circa 1150-1200] (also Hearken) listen; to listen to; pay attention; give heed; hear (as "hear my words" or "listen to me") Heft – [circa 1550-60] (as opposed to "Haft") weight, heaviness; significance or importance; heave, hoist; archaic: bulk or main part Helft (or half) – [circa 900] one of two equal parts (of anything) Helve [circa 900] - the handle of a weapon or tool (i.e. axe, hatchet, chisel, hammer, or the like); to furnish with a helve - a strong strap or cord as for leading a horse (with or without headstall) or for hanging malefactors - (Nautical) steering apparatus for a ship comprising the rudder, tiller, wheel, etc.; helm - place or office of administration - the person in place of direction or control: steersman, guide, director Hew [circa 900] (as opposed to "Hue") - strike forcibly with an axe, sword, or other cutting instrument; chop, hack - to make, shape, smooth, etc. - to sever with cutting blows - to cut down; fell - (to hew to) to uphold, follow closely, conform Hither – [circa 900] to come to; the nearer side Hoar (Hoary) [circa 900] - hoarfrost; rime - hoary coating or appearance - a fog or mist with a chill wind - gray, venerable, old, white with age - white or grayish-white - obsolete: musty, moldy, stale - hoariness: antiquity Hoarfrost [circa 1250-1300] - (also white frost) frozen dew; frozen dew, ice crystals or minute ice needles forming a white coating on a surface; a killing frost; the act of freezing - (frost) coldness or insensibility; severe or rigid of character Hover – [circa 1350-1400] to hang suspended or fluttering in the air; to linger about; to remain in an uncertain or irresolute state Hubris – [circa 1880-85] excessive pride in oneself; arrogance; wanton violence, insolence, outrage Hue – [circa 900] (as opposed to "Hew") complexion; form or appearance; gradation of color Hummock [circa 1545-55] (variant of hammock (not the hanging bed) and hommock) - Hammock – an elevated tract of land above the level of a march - a low mound or ridge of earth; a knoll; hillock - Hommock – a ridge or hill in an ice field - [circa 1555] (Nautical) a conical small hill on a seacoast Hurdle – [circa 900] (as opposed to "Hurtle") a barrier or problem to overcome; to master; to overcome; also a frame upon which criminals, traitors, were formerly drawn to the place of execution Hurtle – [circa 1175-1225] (as opposed to "Hurdle") to rush or drive violently, fling, dash; move noisily or resoundingly with great speed; archaic: to slam together, collide; clash, collision, shock, clatter -I- Illimitable – [circa 1590-1600] without limits or boundaries Importunity – [circa 1425-75] the state of urgency or persistent solicitation; troublesome, annoying; pertinacious Imprimatur – [circa 1630-40] sanction or approval; support; official license to publish documents issued by censor Incoherent – [circa 1620-30] disjointed, unable to comprehend, ramble, uncoordinated Inimical – [circa 1635-45] unfriendly; hostile; unfavorable; harmful; adverse or opposed in tendency or effect; antagonistic; injurious; having the aforementioned disposition or temper Insubstantial – [circa 1600-10] weak, flimsy, airy, not solid or firm Irascible – [circa 1350-1400] easily provoked to anger; very irritable; prone to outbursts of temper; choleric; hotheaded -J- Jaunt – [circa 1560-70] a short journey, especially on taken for pleasure; to make a short journey; to ramble here and there; stroll Jaunty – [circa 1655-65] easy and spritely (springy) manner; smartly trimmed, as in clothing "Adjectives sub-List (Clothing)" -K- Kiss [circa 900] (Middle English kissen, Old English cyssan) - a light or gentle touch or embrace - a small piece of confection (i.e. chocolate "drop", small toffee-like confection, a small cookie "little cakes" < http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm >) - KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid; Keep it Sweet and Simple; Keep it Short and Simple < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle > - the act of pressing the lips together or against someone/something receiving the touch of the lips; a somewhat modern means of expressing erotic affection • Note: It is (accepted) thought that the rubbing of noses, sniffing (snuffling), nuzzling, and licking were the more ancient means of erotic expression, as kissing was "reserved" for ceremonial uses, formal salutations between the meeting and/or parting of people, affectionate pecks between a child and a parent, or as a means to display the bestowal of "life's breath" from god(dess) to man (i.e. ancient Egyptian images) or the bestowal of a favor (Greek images) from god(dess) to man. Often the act was seen as a gesture of familiarity and public displays between affectionate individuals were discouraged. Courtly Love of the Middle Ages enumerated the "five lines of love" as gazing, speaking, touching, kissing, and coitus (coitus = the forbidden "gift of mercy" or "the reward"); courtly kissing was reserved to the honoring of a man's lips to the back of a lady's hand or fingers < http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/Classes/US310/Interp-Court-Love.html >. Some images of kissing (lips-to-lips exchange) have been found in Roman period murals, frescos and mosaics. • Personal thoughts: I happen to disagree with the "popular" notion of scholarly thought for ancient kissing theories as it alludes to the "utilitarian" in human relationships (embracing for the sole purpose of procreation and all things Christian). When did licking NOT lead to the unconscious urge to kiss? Or nuzzling to the touch of lips on the neck? Such actions tend to bring the lips in to close contact and just because the act wasn't recorded in images or in literature of a time in history doesn't mean it wasn't done for more powerful affection - and I don't feel using less technically advanced existing tribes of people and their practices as a good example of what did or did not take place. More and more authors of erotic imagery in ancient times are finding images, poetry and love letters that include acts and desires suspiciously reminiscent to "kissing" and more erotic functions of the mouth. Speaking as both a writer and an artist, in writing kissing is important for inducing mental imagery, in art still images of kissing is foregone for more visually stimulating concepts (the Turin Erotic Papyrus comes to mind for ancient Egyptian erotic drawings, some satirical, others just as playful but more traditional), and images in stone, wood and metal evolved from stiff and stylized to realistic embraces over time. Knap (Non-clothing reference) "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - [circa 1000] crest or summit of a small hill - [circa 1425-1450] (Brit) to break suddenly; to strike smartly, rap; to chip or become chipped (knapping arrow or spear heads); to bite suddenly or quickly (knap quickly into bread) -L- Lament / lamentation – [circa 1520-30] mourn deeply; express grief or sorrow; show regret; a formal expression of sorrow in verse or song; an elegy, dirge Lassitude – [circa 1525-35] weariness of the body or mind from strain or oppressive climate; lack of energy; listlessness; languor; condition of indolent indifference Literal – [circa 1350-1400] in accordance with; true to fact; not exaggerated; not mystical or allegorical; a typographical error Littoral – [circa 1650-60] (as opposed to "Literal") pertaining to the shore of a lake, sea or ocean; a coastal region, a shore; seashore; inhabiting the seashore between the high-water and low-water marks Loom [circa 900] - to appear indistinctly; indistinct and enlarged of form - to seem imminent; impend - a guillemot (sea bird) - an apparatus for weaving cloth - the part of an oar between the handle and the blade Lore [circa 950] (not zoological definition) - body of knowledge; learning; erudition - archaic: process of teaching; learning - archaic: a lesson; something that is taught -M- Marrow – (as opposed to "Morrow") - [circa 900] the choicest, innermost or essential part of a thing or of an idea - [circa 900] (Anatomy) the innermost vascular tissue of the bone that is a major source of blood cell production; the spinal cord; a source high in iron (beef marrow needed for stew; any bone marrow a carnivore would seek to consume for nutrition) - [circa 900] strength; vitality; vigor - [circa 900] (Brit. vegetable marrow) large, elongated squash with creamy deep green skin and whitish flesh - [circa 900] rich or nutritious food - [circa 1400-50] a partner, fellow worker; a spouse, helpmate; companion, close friend Mayhap(s) – [circa 1530-40] archaic: short for it may hap(pen) (usually followed by "that"); perchance (archaic from circa 1300-50); perhaps (from circa 1520-30) Mealie – [circa 1850-55] (also mielie) (South African) corn; maize; an ear of corn Mélange – [circa 1645-55] a mixture; medley; motley assortment (of things) Mêlée – [circa 1640-50] (pronounced "may-lay") (French) "mixed"; potentially lethal confused hand-to-hand combat among several people; confusion, turmoil, jumble • Note: the Catholic Church did not approve of the mêlée in Medieval tournaments as it was considered an intentional means to commit murder/to kill someone outside of wars. Menhir – [circa 1830-40] (Archaeology) monumental standing stone, either alone or in alignment with others Meseem – [circa unknown] compound of Me+seem, as in "I seem to remember" Methinks – [circa 900] archaic: it seems to me (past tense: methought) Metonymy – [circa 1540-50] a figure of speech that substitutes one word or phrase for another (e.g. "the bottle" for "strong drink", or "counting heads (or noses)" for "counting people", or "need a body" for "need a helper (or person)" Midden – [circa 1300-50] dunghill or refuse heap; kitchen midden (a mound or deposit of kitchen refuse) Milieu (plural: milieus or milieu) - [circa 1795-1805] an environment or setting; environmental condition - [circa 1877] (French) "middle place" middle, medium, mean; surroundings, especially of a social or cultural nature Morn – [circa 900] literary: morning Morrow – [circa 1225-75] (as opposed to "Marrow") literary: tomorrow; the next day; archaic: the morning Mourn – [circa 900] to feel or display signs of profound grief or great sorrow; a period of grief to honor the dead Mug [circa 1560-70] (not the face slang definitions) - cylinder (earthenware) drinking cup with a handle; the quantity that it holds - [circa 1570] "drinking vessel"; "bowl, pot, jug"; (Scandinavian mugg - mug or jug; Norwegian mugge - pitcher, open can for warm drinks) - [circa 1818] attack; attack to rob; strike the face; to beat up Mundane – [circa 1425-75] ordinary, commonplace, everyday, usual, banal, unimaginative, routine; terrestrial, telluric, secular, cosmic; relating to or typical this world (mundane affairs), of or pertaining to the world, the universe, or earth -O- Oblique [circa 1400-50] - slanting, sloping; not perpendicular or parallel to a given line or surface - diverging from a given course - not straight or direct (as of course); evasive - not direct in descent; collateral - indirectly stated or expressed; suggestive - morally, ethically or mentally wrong; underhanded; perverse - (Anatomy) pertaining to the muscles that run transversely or longitudinally of the body; the walls of the abdomen - (Military) at a 45 degree angle; to change direction obliquely - (Nautical) changing direction at less than 90 degrees Ophidian – [circa 1820-30] snakelike; a snake; serpent; viper; of or relating to snakes; limbless scaly elongate reptile (some venomous) Ostensible / ostensibly – [circa 1720-30] professed; pretended; outwardly appearing as such; apparent, obvious, conspicuous Outré – [circa 1715-25] conspicuously or grossly unconventional, strange, bizarre; exaggerated, extravagant, eccentric -P- Paean – [circa 1535-45] (also pean) loud, song of joy, praise, triumph; hymn of deliverance, invocation or thanksgiving to a Greek deity, esp. Apollo; fervent expression of joy Pastiche [circa 1700-10] - musical composition using techniques borrowed from one or more sources; a medley - incongruous combination of materials, forms, motifs taken from different sources; hodgepodge - work of art that imitates the style of previous work Peal [circa 1350-1400] (as opposed to "Peel") - loud, sonorous, prolonged ringing (as of bells, canons, thunder, laughter, applause, etc.) - obsolete: to assail with loud sounds - resounding Pedantic [circa 1590-1600] overly concerned with minute details, esp. in teaching or writing Peel – [circa 1100] (as opposed to "Peal") to strip (as of skin – plant rind or bark, fruit, vegetable or animal flesh); to come off, become separated; to undress; to watch closely Peer [circa 1175-1225] (as opposed to "Pier") - person of same legal status - person equal in abilities, qualifications, background - a nobleman (a member of five degrees of British nobility; peerage by descent or appointment) - archaic: a companion - to look narrowly; peep or peek; to come into view Pensive – [circa 1325-75] dreamily or wistfully of thought usually marked by sadness Père [circa 1619] (French) father; a French priest - used after a surname distinguishing father from son - (Roman Catholic Church) a title for certain priests Peregrine – [circa 1350-1400] (formerly used in Falconry) foreign; alien; coming from abroad; wandering, traveling, migrating; roving Peri – [circa 1770-80] (Persian) beautiful, supernatural begins (male or female, often elven or fairylike) descended from angels barred from paradise until penance is complete (once regarded as malevolent, later benevolent); a beautiful, graceful girl Pernickety (also Persnickety) - [circa 1800-10] (Scot) - of uncertain origin possibly from "particular" as per begins a great number of particularly Scottish oriented words (e.g. pergaddus thump, clatter, perskeet fastidious, perjink trim, neat - [circa 1808] precise, fastidious Persist – [circa 1530-40] to continue steadfastly, to last or endure tenaciously; to be insistent in a statement, question, request, etc. Persnickety - [circa 1885-90] (variant of Scot. pernickety) - overly conceited or arrogant; pretentious; aloof (a snobbish person) - overly concerned, fussing or demanding over small details (a micro managing person or fastidious technician/mechanic) - excessive attention to trivial details (a persnickety school teacher) - requiring painstaking care (as high precision items, cars, electronics, computers, etc.) Pier [circa 1150] (as opposed to "Peer") - a square pillar - portion of wall between doors, windows, etc. - pillar or post with a hanging gate or door - support masonry, steel, for sustaining vertical pressure; buttress - support for the ends of adjacent spans in a bridge - structure built on posts supported by piles extending from land to water, used as a landing for boats and ships; jetty Pinion [circa 1650-60] - a gear with a small number of teeth - wing of a bird; a feather; the flight feathers collectively; restraining a bird, preventing it from flying - to disable, restrain, bind or hold fast; shackle Plinth [circa 1555-65] - a square base as of a vase; a square base or lower block of a pedestal, a slablike member beneath a column or pedestal - plinth course – earth table; a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall - a piece of flint for striking fire - anything extremely hard, unimpressible, and unyielding, like flint ("a heart of flint" – Spenser) Ply [circa 1300-50] - a layer, fold of cloth, paper, or wood (plywood) - join together as by twisting, weaving, or molding; ply fabric "Fabrics/Textiles sub-List" - carry on; steadily pursue; practice (i.e. ply a trade) - use diligently; wield (i.e. ply a needle) - to treat or apply to (something) repeatedly (i.e. adding logs to the fire) - to assail persistently - supply with or offer persistently (i.e. ply someone with a drink) - (Nautical) to traverse, pass over or along steadily or on a regular basis (i.e. the ship plied the waters) - (Nautical) work against the wind in a zigzag course; tack - a unit of yarn "Fabrics/Textiles sub-List" - obsolete: to bend, incline or yield Prodigious [circa 1545-55] - wonderful or marvelous; astonishing - abnormal; monstrous - extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force, etc. - obsolete: portentous, ominous Prolong – [circa 1375-1425] to lengthen in (duration) time, protract; extend duration of; cause to continue longer; to make longer -Q- Quail (not the bird definition) - [circa 1300-50] (Slang) a woman or girl - [circa 1400-50] lose heart or courage in danger; shrink with fear; cower; to suffer, be ill; draw back as in fear or pain Quaver – [circa 1400-50] quiver or tremble; to shake tremulously; perform trills in singing or musical instrument -R- Randy – [circa 1690-1700] sexually aroused, lustful, lecherous; (Scot) rude and aggressive; a rude or course beggar Rape [circa 1250-1300] (archaic meaning only here) - to seize and carry off by force (possessions or people) - to pillage; plunder; sack, as a village - Cause of great destruction, damage to land - a plant usually grown for sheep (forage crop), an oil is made from its seeds; turnip (raper) - (Winemaking) the refuse of grapes remaining after the extraction of the juice Rapine – [circa 1375-1425] in archaic times, considered a valid military action amongst organized militia and mercenary groups alike (pre-Geneva Convention); violent or forcible seizure and the carrying off of someone else's property; plunder; robbery; spoliation Rapt [circa 1350-1400] (past participle of Rap or Rape (above)) - deeply engrossed; absorbed - enraptured; transported with emotion (i.e. from earth to heaven) - showing or proceeding from rapture (i.e. a rapt smile) - to carry off; carried off spiritual to another place - [circa 1520-30] to seize for oneself; snatch; carry away (archaic meaning of current "Rape", pre-crime definition) Ravage – [circa 1605-15] devastating destruction; havoc; ruinous damage; to mar by ravages; ruin; despoil; plunder; pillage; sack Ravish [circa 1250-1300] - fill with strong emotion, esp. joy; enrapture - seize and carry off by force (possessions people, esp. a woman) - to rape, violate (a woman) - hold spellbound; enchant - very swift or quick; moving with celerity; a rapid motion; quick in execution Reckless – [circa 900] (as opposed to "Feckless") proceeding with carelessness; headless; without caution; unconcerned with consequences; headstrong; rash Recumbent – [circa 1765-75] lying down in a position of comfort; leaning, reclining, resting; inactive, idle Rend – [circa 950] separate into parts with force or violence; tear apart, wrest; pull or tear violently; tear one's clothes or at one's hair (as in grief); disturb sharply with a loud noise; harrow or distress Rent – [circa 1125-75] (other than payment of a place to live) an opening made by rending or tearing; slit; fissure (past tense of Rend) Repast [circa 1300-50] - quantity of food for one occasion of eating - a meal - mealtime; the time during which a meal is eaten - to eat or feast - archaic: taking of food, as at a meal - obsolete: food; to give food to Replete – [circa 1350-1400] filled to satisfaction with food and drink; stuffed with food and drink; abundantly supplied; filled; complete Reticent – [circa 1825-35] shy, reserved, reluctant, restrained, unwilling; prone to being silent, not speaking freely; unwilling to draw attention to oneself Revel – [circa 1275-1325] take great pleasure, delight; to make merry; to indulge in festivities; to carouse Reverie (also revery) – [circa 1325-75] state of dreamy meditation; abstract or fanciful musing; a daydream; a fantastic, visionary or impractical idea Ribald - [circa 1200-50] vulgar or indecent speech, manner, language; coarsely mocking, abusive, irreverent; scurrilous; lewdly funny person - [circa 1240] "a rogue, ruffian, rascall, scoundrel, varlet, filthie fellow" [from Cotgrave - http://www.etymonline.com/] - to be wanton, to rub (i.e. have sex) Rill – [circa 1530-40] a small rivulet, streamlet or brook; a small channel (caused by erosion); long narrow straight valley on the moon's surface Rime [circa 900] (variant of rhyme) - (also rime ice) opaque coating of tine, white, granular ice particles from rapid freezing; cover with rime or hoarfrost - coating of mud or slime likened to a frosty film Rip [circa 147-80] - cut or tear open or apart - rend; rent - ripsaw – cut in the direction of the wood grain - riptide – a stretch of turbulent water at sea or in a river - dissolute, worthless, worn-out person or horse; something of no value Roister - [circa 1545-55] act in a swaggering, blustering, boisterous, or uproarious manner; to revel noisily without restraint; loud merrymaking - to bluster, swagger, bully, be bold, vaunt, or turbulent - archaic: noisy bully; ruffian; rough country fellow -S- Saturnine – [circa 1400-50] sluggish in temperament; gloomy; morose; grave; taciturn; melancholy or sullen; tendency to be bitter or sardonic; suffering from lead poisoning Savory – [circa 1175-1225] pleasant or agreeable taste or smell; piquant; pleasing, attractive, agreeable Scamp [circa 1775-85] - to do or perform in a hasty or careless manner - a playful, mischievous, or naughty person; upstart - an unscrupulous, often mischievous person; rascal; rogue; scalawag Scamper – [circa 1680-90] a quick run; to run or go hastily (away); to run playfully about Scone – [circa 1505-15] a small bisquitelike bread made of barley meal, oatmeal, wheat flour or the like; shortend from the Dutch schoonbrot meaning fne bread or white bread. - When capitalized as a proper name, Scone (pronounced skoon) - a village of central Scotland, the place where Scottish kings were coronated until 1651. Sconce - [circa 1350-1400] (Middle English sconce or sconse) a bracket, hole or holder mounted in a wall, mirror, or picture frame to support torches, candles or other lighting fixtures; the actual hole or scoket of a candlestick for holding the candle - [circa 1560-70] the head or skull; sense or wit - [circa 1565-75] fortification; a protective shelter; verb as to ensconce - [circa 1610-20] a fine imposed for a breech of etiquette Seraglio (also serail) – [circa 1575-85] a Turkish palace (esp. of a sultan); the part of the Muslim house where wives and concubines are secluded; harem; an inclosure (enclosure, sic), place of separation • Note: Until the Persians invaded ancient Egypt and assumed sovereignty over them (Dynasties 27 & 28, 525-398 BCE), the Egyptian "harem" was not the posh, lush "garden" of exquisite females protected by fierce guards just waiting for their liege to seek his pleasure by them. The Egyptian harem (House of Women) was more of a set of suites for the king's female family members, wives, concubines, children (male and female), sisters, mother, etc. it was not the king's personal brothel. Shagreen – [circa 1605-15] untreated (abrasive) leather of horse, shark, rays, seal, etc; rough skin of a shark; resembling, covered with or made of shagreen Sidle – [circa 1690-1700] move sideways or obliquely; edge along furtively; a sidling movement Simulacra – [circa 1590-1600] slight, unreal, vague or superficial likeness or semblance; an effigy, image, or representation Sic - [circa 1835-45] attack; incite to attack; to set upon - [circa 1325-75] (Scot) "such" - (Latin) so; thus (offering an example of or to indicate a quoted passage, especially one containing an error or unconventional spelling) Skein – (textile ref here: "Accents sub-List (Clothing)" ) - [circa 1400-50] (Middle English skeyne or skayne) -- anything wound or resembling a coil, as said of hair -- anything suggesting a twisting, as said of plans or incoherent words -- a succession of things, as of a skein of victories - [circa unknown] flocks of bird in flight such as ducks, or geese, or the like Somber – [circa 1750-60] serious; grave; gloomy; depressing; dismal; shadowy; dark and dull (as in color) Somnolent – [circa 1425-75] sleepy, drowsy, causing sleep, soporific Spoor – [circa 1815-25] (as opposed to "Spore") the track or trail left by a person or wild animal pursued as game; to engage tracking in hunting Stein – [circa 1855] (German) "Stone jug" usually for holding beer; shortened from steinkrug (stein = stone; krug = jar or jug) Stria [circa 1555-65] (also striea, past tense: striated) - slight or narrow furrow, ridge, stripe, or streak (i.e. striae of muscle fiber) - thin, narrow groove or channel - (Mineralogy) series of parallel lines or tiny grooves in the surface of crystal - (Architecture) a flute on the shaft of a column Strident [circa 1650-60] - making a harsh sound, grating, creaking - a shrill, irritating quality or character - (Linguistics) acoustical noises of high intensity, as sibilants, labiodentals and uvular fricatives Strive – [circa 1175-1225] exert oneself vigorously, endeavor, try very hard; make strenuous effort; contend in opposition, battle, or conflict, compete; struggle vigorously; rival, vie Sublime [circa 1350-1400] - to make higher, nobler or purer - awe inspiring - supreme; outstanding - complete; absolute; utter - archaic: of lofty bearing - archaic: raised high; high up Sundry – [circa 900] diverse, various, miscellaneous Surety – [circa 1300-50] legal responsibility for a debt; a pledge, guarantee or bond Swale [circa 1400-50] - originally: a cool, shady spot - a low tract of land usually moister often with more vegetation than the adjacent higher land - valleylike intersection of two slopes of land; troughlike land depression - long narrow (usually shallow) trough between ridges on a beach, running parallel to the coastline Sward – [circa 900] (as opposed to "Sword") a grassy turf; a growth of grass, lawn or meadow; to cover with sward or turf; to become covered (with sward) -T- Tarry – [circa 1275-1325] - to remain or stay behind - to leave slowly, hesitantly; to delay or be tardy in acting, starting, coming; linger; loiter - a stay; sojourn - archaic: to wait for - [circa 1545-55] of, resembling, like or covered with tar; to smear with tar; having the characteristics of pitch Tankard – [circa 1275-1325] large drinking cup, usually with a handle and hinged cover esp. a tall pewter or silver mug, often with a glass bottom Temerity – [circa 1400-50] rashness, reckless boldness, disregard of danger, fearless daring Teocallis – [circa 1605-15] (Aztec) (Nahuatl, equivalent to teo(tl) god + calli house) a ceremonial structure consisting of a truncated pyramid supporting a temple; the mound on which a temple of ancient Mexico was built Tessalate (also tessellate) – [circa 1785-95] forming small squares or blocks of stone or glass, as floors or pavement, arranged in mosaic or checkered patterns; to fit together exactly of identical shapes Thew(s) – [circa 900] (usually thews) muscle, sinew; well-muscled; physical strength; muscular power Toxic – [circa 1655-65] poison Tramontane [circa 1300-50] - foreigner, alien, stranger, barbarous - a person who lives beyond the mountains; being or situated on the other side of the mountains; coming from the other side of the mountains - violent, polar wind (from the northwest which blows in southern France) Trawl - [circa 1475-85] - a fishing net or line used for trawl (drag net) fishing; a trotline; a setline; a long fishing line or net dragged behind a boat sporting many lines and hooks for fishing - the act of drag net fishing, trawlling - to troll - [circa 1561 from Dutch tragelen "to drag" Tremulous – [circa 1605-15] characterized by involuntary trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness; timid, timorous, fearful; vibratory, shaking, quivering; (of writing) done with a trembling hand Troll [circa 1350-1400] - sing in a full or rolling voice or in the manner of a round or catch - to roll; turn round and around - to move nimbly (as of the tongue when speaking) - to trawl, fishing with a net, drag or drag net fishing - Obsolete – to hand around, as a bowl of liquor at a table - [circa 1610-20] (Scandinavian folklore) "demon", a monster; supernatural beings seen as giants or dwarves inhabiting caves or subterranean dwellings Truculent – [circa 1530-40] fierce, cruel, savagely brutal; brutally harsh, vitriolic, scathing; aggressively hostile, belligerent Trull – [circa 1510-20] hussy, prostitute, trollop Tumult – [circa 1375-1425] violent and noisy commotion, disturbance of a crowd; uproar; general outbreak, riot; highly distressing agitation of mind or feeling Turgid – [circa 1660-70] swollen, distended (as of the stomach filled with gas); tumid; inflated, overblown, pompous, bombastic; excessively ornate, grandiloquent, ostentatiously lofty in style Tweedle – [circa 1675-85] producing high-pitched, modulated sounds, as a singer, bird or musical instrument; to lure as by music -U- Unsavory – [circa 1175-1225] tasteless, insipid, unpleasant in taste or smell; unappealing, disagreeable; socially or morally objectionable or offensive -V- Vagary [circa 1565-75] - unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course or instance - a whimsical, wild or unusual idea, desire, or action Vault [circa 1300-50] - an arched structure - underground space or chamber - a safe - burial chamber - a curve or bend to form a vault - to jump, leap, bound or spring to a position or over something - the leap of a horse; curvet Vaunt – [circa 1350-1400] boast, brag, proud, elevated perception of (oneself); to speak vaingloriously of (action, utterance or personal carriage or position) Veld – [circa 1795-1805] (also veldt) open country, usually flat or gently rolling, resembling a savannah (bush, grass, shrubs, thinly forested) Veneer [circa 1695-1705] - thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood - superficially valuable or pleasing appearance - façade - deceptive or superficial show - to conceal something of lesser or common quality with a deceptively outward show Venture [circa 1400-50] - a business undertaking - an undertaking, risky or dangerous; to brave the dangers of (i.e. venture into the wilderness) - to express at the risk of denial, criticism or censure (i.e. "I would venture a guess…") - obsolete: hazard or risk Verdant – [circa 1575-85] green with vegetation; of the color green; inexperienced, unsophisticated Vert [circa 1400-50] - (English Forest Law) vegetation of green bearing leaves serving as a cover for deer; the right to cut such vegetation - (Heraldry) the tincture, or color, green Viand – [circa 1350-1400] an article of food; a choice, delicious or delicate kind of food Vigil – [circa 1200-50] (not the Hispanic name) devotional wakefulness/watchfulness maintained during sleeping hours for a purpose; health watch; purposeful surveillance or watch to guard or observe Vile Persuasion (also "pretty persuasion") – [circa 1500's] hypnotic; thought of as the devil's influence over someone (circa not exactly known, term was explained on a History Channel documentary concerning the Puritans and religion, 2007) - useful for vampire references - persuade - [circa 1505-15] to prevail upon (a person) to do something (see following additional similar references) o compel - [circa 1350-1400] overpower; persuade; archaic: to drive together; unite by force; herd o enchant - [circa 1325-75] to subject to magical influence; delight to a high degree; impart a magical quality upon o enrapture - [circa 1730-40] delight beyond measure o entrance - [circa 1585-95] to fill with delight or wonderment; to place under a trance state o fascinate - [circa 1590-1600] to attract and hold (one's) attention by unique power, personal charm, or persuasion; obsolete: to bewitch; obsolete: to cast under a spell by a look o magnetize (archaic: as an audience's attention) - [circa 1775-85] from loadstone [circa 1400-50] its magnetic properties o hypnosis - [circa 1795-1860] shortening of neuro-hypnotism, from British surgeon James Braid (hypnotize - [circa 1843]) o mesmerize - [circa 1820-30] from Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer o spellbind - [circa 1800-10] bind as if by spell; enchant; entrance; fascinate o stupefy - [circa 1590-1600] stunned, as with a narcotic element, strong emotion or a shock; overwhelm with amazement; a state of little or no response to external physical stimuli; astound o trance - [circa 1300-50] half-conscious state; a state of complete mental absorption; an unconscious, cataleptic state; stupefy; enrapture Virid – [circa 1590-1600] (bright) green or verdant Vitiate – [circa 1525-35] make faulty, spoil, impair the quality of, reduce the value of; to perverse, corrupt morally, debase; to make legally invalid or defective; invalidate Vitriolic – [circa 1660-70] very caustic, bitterly scathing, harsh or corrosive in tone; obtain from, derived from or resemble vitriol -W- Wan [circa 900] - unnatural or sickly palor; infirm - showing or suggesting ill health, fatigue, unhappiness - lacking in forcefulness, competence, or effectiveness - archaic: dark or gloomy - archaic: pale in color or hue Wane [circa 900] (opposite of Wax) - decrease in size or intensity - decline in power, authority, importance, prosperity - draw to a close, approach an end of a life, a season, an era, a dynasty - defect in a plank of wood due to the curvature and inferior (place of) bark of the log - of the moon, decrease in size and luminosity; going toward the "New Moon" phase Wax (not the material for making candles and other sealing or burning products) (opposite of Wane) - [circa 900] to make more; increase in quantity, extent, intensity, power - [circa 1850-55] (to grow or become) a fit of anger; rage - of the moon, increase in size and luminosity; going toward the "Full Moon" phase Weal [circa 900] - well-being, prosperity, happiness; welfare of the community - obsolete: wealth, riches - obsolete: the body politic; the state - a ridge on the flesh raised by a blow; a raised mark on the skin; a welt Weald – [circa 1150] wooded or uncultivated country; woodland; forest; an area of open rolling land Weld [circa 1590-1600] - to join, to bring together with heat or pressure, as metal pieces - to bring together into close association or union - (also wold, woald, would) a mignonette, yielding a yellow dye; the dye from dyer's rocket (a plant) Welt [circa 1375-1425] - a ridge or raised area of the skin resulting from a blow (as of a stick or whip) - to beat soundly, as with a stick or whip; to beat severely; flog - strengthening ornamental finish along a seam of a garment with a strip of cord or tape "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" - a strip of leather ornamenting a shoe "Clothing/Materials Reference (Full List)" Wend – [circa 900] to proceed or go; to pursue or direct one's way Well-versed [circa unknown] educated; knowledgeable of a particular subject; informed; very familiar Wheal (also weal) – [circa 900] a wale or welt; a small, burning or itching swelling on the skin Wicket – [circa 1225] a small door or gate, esp. one that is part of a larger door; a small window to conduct business through; to give way, yield Wield – [circa 900] to exercise power, authority, influence; to use a weapon, instrument, etc effectively; handle or employ actively; archaic: to guide or direct; to govern, manage Wit – [circa 900] archaic: to know; to become aware of; learn Wist – [circa 900] past tense of "wit"; to know; intent Wistful – [circa 1605-15] melancholy yearning; pensive; longing; archaic: closely attentive; yearningly eager Wort - [circa 900] a plant, herb or vegetable - [circa 1100] an infusion of malt that is fermented to make beer Wroth – [circa 900] angry; wrathful; stormy; violent; turbulent -X- -Y- Yarn – [circa 1100] thread; story, tale Yester (also yestern) - [circa 1570-80] archaic: of or pertaining to yesterday - Yestern [circa 1855-60] archaic: of or pertaining to yesterday Yestereve (also yesterevening) - [circa 1595-1605] archaic: previous night, last night - Yesterevening [circa 1705-15] archaic: yesterday evening; last night Yon – [circa 900] over there; yonder; that or those yonder Yonder – [circa 1250-1300] over there; at, in, or to that place specified or more or less distant Yore – [circa 900] obsolete: of old; long ago -Z- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Web Resources: •Dictionary http://dictionary.reference.com/ •Etymology http://www.etymonline.com/ •Thesaurus http://thesaurus.reference.com/ •Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Web Resources not used, but helpful: •Animal Male & Female Names http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Sciences/Zoology/AnimalMorphology/MaleFemale... •Archaic Words for Dialogue – "Forthright's Forsoothery" http://phrontistery.info/archaic.html •Medieval Glossaries http://historymedren.about.com/cs/glossaries/ •Medieval Phrases in Use Today http://members.tripod.com/~hkcarms/phrases.html •SF Site http://www.sfsite.com/home.htm •World Wide Words http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-ale1.htm Book & Author Resources: •"Conan" series – Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague De Camp, Lin Carter, Robert Jordan •"Cthulhu" series – H.P. Lovecraft, August Derleth •"Death Dealer" series – Frank Frazetta •"Weird Words" – Berent & Evans •Many others… authors and types I've read (at least one work from) and, for good or bad, been inspired by and/or have in my mixed-media library: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery, Historicals, Horror, Romance, & General Fiction: Douglas Adams, Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, Poul Anderson, Piers Anthony, Isaac Asimov, Robert Asprin, Clive Barker, James Blish, Ray Bradbury, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Orson Scott Card, Lewis Carroll, Lin Carter, Geoffrey Chaucer, C.J. Cherryh, Tom Clancy, Arthur C. Clarke, Michael Crichton, Clive Cussler, L. Sprague de Camp, August Derleth, Philip K. Dick, Charles Dickens, Gordon R. Dickson, Sara Douglas, David Drake, David Eddings, Rose Estes, Philip Jose Farmer, Alan Dean Foster, Frank Frazetta, Pauline Gedge, Terry Goodkind, Joan Grant, Ed Greenwood, Brothers Grimm, E. Gary Gygax, Barbara Hambly, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Tracy Hickman, Homer, Robert E. Howard, Robert Jordan, James Joyce, Stephen King, Angela Knight, Dean R. Koontz, Stanley Kubrick, Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, Ursula K. Le Guin, C.S Lewis, Holly Lisle, Morgan Llywelyn, H.P. Lovecraft, Anne McCaffrey, Michael Moorcock (thank you sir, for my daughter's name!), Jet Mykles, Larry Niven, Andre Norton, Nostradamus, George Orwell, Steve & Stephani Perry, Plato, Edgar Allan Poe, Anne Rice, Gene Roddenberry, Joel Rosenberg, J.K. Rowling, Fred Saberhagen, Carl Sagan, R.A. Salvatore, William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, Socrates, Edmund Spenser, Michael A. Stackpole, R.L Stine, Bram Stoker, J.R.R. Tolkien, Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Jack Vance, John Varley, Jules Verne, Joyce Verrette, Virgil, Margaret Weis, H.G. Wells, Oscar Wilde, Walter Jon Williams, Timothy Zahn, Roger Zelazny … Heroic Ballads, Epic Poetry, Fables, Fairy Tales, Folklore, Myths, Name Origin books, Legends and Religions from around the world – too many to name. History, Science/Technical/Medical, Cooking/Sewing/Leather Making/ Woodworking/Ancient Armor & Weapons, Computer/Network/Programming manuals, Religious/Metaphysical tomes – too many to name. Role-playing and Strategy Game manuals, Cards, and Comic Books – If you've played the games and read the books, then you know how many shelves, cardboard/plastic boxes, foam-filled shadowboxed carrying cases, tackle and craft boxes, and just plain drawstring bags are needed to hold the tomes, precious hand-painted figurines and collectibles (space comparable to the footprint of the ENIAC – a modular 680 sq ft of my 1100 sq ft house+garage is about right). These days we must also include Desktop and Laptop/Notebook PCs, peripherals, and LAN equipment for stand-alone and online games. 1337 Maps, too! Gawds, I am such a geek! – A "nerd" may have intelligence and deviousness, but they lack the refinement of the true geek. Thanks for stopping by!  |
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