The Queen of Spades

The Queen of Spades Glossary

barren

land too poor to produce much or any vegetation

premier

first in importance, order, or position; leading

avarice

greed; extreme desire for wealth or material gain

mercenary

primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics

vexatious

causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry

dominate

to have power and influence over others

abominable

unnatural in a repugnant and revolting way

catafalque

a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or while lying in state

cessation

bringing something to an end; a stopping

gild

to cover over with a thin layer of gold; used metaphorically to describe an attractive layer placed over something not naturally attractive.

missive

a written letter that usually conveys a sense of formality within the context of being sent to an esteemed recipient

rebuff

a harshly formed rejection or refusal; to snub

rouse

to awaken or disturb into a sense of an awareness

squander

thoughtless waste; lavish overconsumption of limited resources

superfluity

an excessive oversupply

portly

bulky and overweight; stout and stocky

daunt

make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive

parsimony

extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources

mazurka

a lively Polish dance in triple time

capricious

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

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