ragtime
A form of music popular around the turn of the 20th century characterized by an emphasis on syncopated melodies in which the piano was usually the dominant instrument.
heliotrope
A shade of purple veering toward the violet end of the spectrum.
cambric
A very finely woven fabric used in fashion made from linen at the time of the play’s setting.
carpetbag
A type of overnight traveling bag popular in the 19th century which derived its name by literally being manufactured from old carpet scraps.
spinster
An older woman—though at the time often just a thirtysomething—who had never been married and was never expected to be so.
frumpy
Drably dressed often in outdated attire which created the perception of homeliness.
duppy
Term for a spectral spirit or ghostly manifestation.
chattel
Property considered to be privately owned; low-wage employees.
tantalize
To tempt, entice or lure with expectations unlikely to be met.
canopy bed
The type of bed with covering hanging down so as to create a sense of enclosure and privacy.
soil
To make a mess of; to besmirch or contaminate.
witch hazel
A liquified extract from the bark or leaves of a deciduous tree once routinely used for the purpose of healing dried out skin.
boudoir
An elegantly or ornately decorated bedroom.
vermilion
A shade of red that is usually either quite vivid or tempered with orange hues.
accouterment
The various tangential equipment required to perform any given task.
accentuated
Having been attended to for the purpose of emphasizing positive attributes.
smoking jacket
Originally, a jacket resembling a tuxedo in design but far less formal which was actually designed for the sole purpose of being worn during the ignition and inhalation of tobacco-based products.
nainsook
Muslin originating in Asia the softness of which made it popular material for the design of clothing for young children.
tactile
Relating to the sense of touch; something that is capable of being tangibly perceived through physical contact.
bohemian
Characterizing someone living a life of non-conformity with a commitment to aesthetic and rejection of mainstream social norms.
