alcy
Short for "alcoholic." What Callum calls Sephy when she develops a drinking problem.
approbation
Praise or approval.
blanker
A slur against the noughts, presumably referring to the blank space in the center of the "nought" symbol; discussion and usage of "blanker" in the novel parallel historical use of racial slurs in the real world.
Cafrique
A nation in the southern hemisphere, with parallels to real-world Africa. Crosses are descendants of the explorers who traveled from Cafrique to colonize the rest of the world, enslaving the noughts along the way.
Crosses
The dominant social class, characterized by their dark skin, with black skin considered the most beautiful. Crosses are considered closer to God than the noughts, and they determine the political, social, and historical landscape of the world. Sephy Hadley is a Cross.
dagger
A slur against the Crosses, presumably referring to the sharp points on the "cross" symbol.
delectation
Delight, enjoyment, entertainment.
dudgeon
A state of indignation, often in the phrase "in high dudgeon." Also an obsolete term for wood used to create dagger hilts.
effervescent
Producing bubbles, or appealing and lively. Callum sarcastically calls sullen, silent Jude "effervescent."
enigmatic
Mysterious; resembling an enigma.
facetious
Not serious; joking, meant to be humorous.
hovel
A hut or small house—what Callum calls his home in comparison to Sephy's.
incredulous
Skeptical; unable or unwilling to believe.
largesse
Generosity; liberal gifting to (or as if to) an inferior.
magnanimous
The virtue of being great in mind or heart, particularly when it comes to being giving.
noughts
The inferior social class, characterized by white or pale skin. Though they are no longer slaves to the Crosses, noughts are discriminated against in almost all aspects of life. Callum McGregor is a nought.
onerous
A burden; something that is troublesome or difficult.
parquet floors
Geometrically patterned woodwork that can be inlaid to create a floor, generally expensive and difficult to maintain. Sephy's home has parquet floors.
prevarication
To tell an untruth, specifically through confusion or evasion.
vehemently
Forcefully or energetically.
