The Quilt

The Quilt Glossary

begum / Begum

Indian Muslim woman of high rank; when capitalized, the title of a married Indian Muslim woman

nawab / Nawab

Muslim nobleman of high status

lihaaf

Urdu term for "quilt"

Urdu

a form of the Hindustani language written in Persian script. Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and is widely used in India

embers

coals that glow in a dying fire

yearn

to desire something very strongly

purdah

the practice in certain Hindu and Muslim societies of women living behind a curtain or in a separate room, or dressing in all-concealing clothes, done to stay out of the sight of men

grandeur

impressiveness; social importance or high rank

veritable

an intensifier that literally means "truthfully," but is often used as a contronym to mean "metaphorically"

demure

modest and reserved

sheen

soft surface luster, similar to shine

afflict

cause suffering; trouble

blemish

a minor flaw or defect

agile

quick-minded; quick-moving

dexterously

done skillfully, particularly in relation to something done with one's hands

incoherent

incomprehensible; unclear

irascible

irritable; easily angered

tiff

a petty argument, often between friends or lovers

enact

act out; put into practice

guffaw

coarse, boisterous laugh

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