affianced
To be engaged to be married
blackguard
A rude or dishonest person; a scoundrel
Byronism
A nineteenth century cultural movement that prized romanticism, melancholy and melodramatic energy. Named after the famous poet Lord Byron.
calumny
slander
cavalry
soldiers who fight on horseback
chivalry
A code of honor associated with medieval knighthood; modern usage is often in reference to gender relations
consummate
Exemplary; showing great skill
counterpane
A bed spread or blanket
court-martial (v.)
To try someone in a military court of law
divan
A long couch or seat without a full back or arms
earthenware
Pottery that has not been heated to the point of vitrification (the transformation of a substance into glass). Earthenware is more porous and rough than porcelain or other types of pottery that have been fired for long periods at high temperatures.
ecru
A very light shade of yellowish grey
forage
food items, such as provisions for horses
fusillade
a series of shots fired at the same time or in quick succession
gaiters
A leg covering made from cloth or leather worn outside the pants and shoes that stretches from the instep of the foot to below the knee.
gilt
Covered with a thin layer of gold
imprudent
Rash; without regard to consequences
insolent
Demonstrating a lack of appropriate respect
leva
A Bulgarian currency introduced in 1881 and still in use today
mantle
A loose cloak without sleeves
middling
Average or standard
obstinacy
Stubbornness
prosaic
commonplace; lacking beauty
rapt
Engrossed; fully absorbed
reverie
A daydream, trance or musing
sagacity
shrewdness
salver
A flat metal serving tray, typically made of silver
trifle
Something of little value or importance
