bloodweed
A kind of deep red flower originally from Africa, also known as the blood lily
chifforobe
A combination dresser and wardrobe, with drawers and space to hang clothes
Creole
A term used for a person of mixed African-American and European descent. In Louisiana at this time, the term referred to people of black and, specifically, Cajun French heritage.
cush-cush
A type of yam grown in the American tropics
derrick
A crane used to lift heavy weights or hold machinery
favor
In the Cajun dialect of the characters, “favor” means “resemble” when used as a verb.
filé
A spice made from sassafras leaves, often used to make gumbo
grinding
As one of the last steps in pecan farming, the people in the quarter grind pecans for packaging and sale
gumbo
A spiced Cajun soup, made with meat and rice
Je t'aime
French for "I love you"
nannan
The Cajun word for godmother
Old Forester
A brand of bourbon
parain
The Cajun word for godfather
praline
Homemade candy
ragball
A modified version of football, played with a ball made of rags
roast nyers
The characters' way of pronouncing "roasting ears" of corn, which Jefferson asks Miss Emma to bring him.
tante
The French and Cajun word for aunt
trusty
An assistant guard at the jail
wool-gathered
A slang term that means "confused"
youman
Jefferson's way of pronouncing the word "human"
