Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising Glossary

antiseptic

extremely clean or pure

bandit

a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area

barren

bleak and lifeless

batiste

a fine, light linen or cotton fabric

bereft

lacking

camisole

a woman's loose-fitting undergarment for the upper body, typically held up by shoulder straps and with decorative trimming

candelabra

a large branched candlestick or holder for several candles or lamps

caravan

a group of travelers

careening

to move swiftly in a specified direction in an uncontrolled way

despondent

hopeless

devious

not straightforward; shifty or crooked

grotto

a small cave

indignation

anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

jalopy

an old car in dilapidated condition

mesquite

a spiny tree or shrub of the pea family, native to arid regions of southwestern US and Mexico. It is often burned and used for flavor when barbecuing.

premonition

a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant

pretentious

attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than one actually possesses.

Quinceañera

a traditional Latino celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday

rickety

poorly made and likely to collapse

scythe

a tool used for cutting crops

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