leonine
resembling a lion; lion-like
used to describe Mr. Kumar
posh
(British) from or common to the upper-class; fancy
sari
a traditional women's garment of India/South Asia; long fabric wrapped around the body, forming both skirt and shawl
commonly worn by Mrs. Kumar and Meena's Aunties
beti
(Punjabi) daughter; term of endearment for a young girl
used by Mr. and Mrs. Kumar to refer to Meena
Jerries
(British, informal) nickname for Germans and/or German soldiers, used in the World Wars
colliers
coal miners
wench
(British, humorous) a girl or young woman, often with high-spirits
used commonly by the Tollington townsfolk
Black Country
(British) an area of the West Midlands in England, noted for its industrial economy (e.g. coal, factories, mills)
Tollington is located in the Black Country
mehfil
(Punjabi) a celebratory gathering, often with music and food
the Kumars regularly host mehfils
partition
(Historical) refers to the partition of India in 1947, in which British India was divided into the independent nations of India and Pakistan
akimbo
with limbs turned outwards, askew; elbows bent with hands on the hips
used to describe Anita's posture
lackey
a servant, or someone who acts like one; someone who is excessively obedient to another
used to refer to Sam Lowbridge's gang
halcyon
an idyllic, untroubled period of time now past
ostentatious
excessive and pretentious display (of possessions), in an attempt to attract attention
duck
(British, informal) a term of endearment, synonymous to darling or dear
used commonly by the Tollington townsfolk
junglee
(Punjabi) wild and uncivilized; lacking in manners
for Meena, a term of endearment used by Nanima
gale
a very strong wind
Tam O'Shanter
a round, flat cap of Scottish origin, with a pompon on top
missive
a formal or official letter
used, ironically, by Meena to describe Anita and Sam's hateful notes
defunct
no longer existing or functioning; out of business
