Riders to the Sea

Riders to the Sea Glossary

poteen

alcohol made illicitly, typically from potatoes.

perished

died, especially in a violent or sudden way

turf

grassland like peat, as is used for fires

sorrow

a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune

tacking

fastening or fixing in place

destitute

extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself

lament

a passionate expression of grief or sorrow

querlously

behaving in a complaining, fussy manner

jobber

a person who buys or sells things; a middleman; a wholesaler

keen

wail; cry

curragh

a small, round boat with which one uses a paddle

start

jump up in surprise; to be startled

hags

female spirits/goblins

hookers

one-masted fishing boats used on the English and Irish coasts (source: m-w.com)

middling

somewhat; sort of; in the middle

easy

content; calmed

queer

strange

pitiful

sad; worthy of sympathy

defiantly

stubbornly; boldly

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