"The Shroud" and Other Short Stories

"The Shroud" and Other Short Stories Glossary

chamars

A group that is part of the "untouchable" caste, the chamaar are often considered to be leather-workers.

notorious

Famous, often for something negative or bad

chilam

A straight conical smoking pipe traditionally made of clay, first used in India in the eighteenth century

ascetic

Practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline

rupee

The common name for the currency of India (and several other countries)

paisa

An aluminum coin and monetary unit, one-100th of the rupee

consolation

Something that gives comfort to someone who is sad or disappointed

dutiful

Obediently fulfilling one's duties

swagger

To walk or strut in a proud, defiant way

indolent

Habitually lazy

thrash

To move wildly or violently

repletion

The act of eating to excess

vouchsafed

Granted or gave, often in a gracious or condescending manner

puris

A deep-fried bread in India

ghi (or ghee)

A class of clarified butter that originated in ancient India

chutney

A type of thick sauce, made of fruit or vegetables, sometimes pickled, originating in India

raita

An Indian condiment usually made of yogurt with diced cucumber and seasonings

relish

(verb) To enjoy the taste of something

staggered

Walked unsteadily

dhoti

A loose piece of clothing wrapped around the lower half of the body, worn by some men in South Asia

lamenting

feeling or expressing sorrow or regret

raptor

A carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird

prostrate

To cast oneself face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration

writhing

Twisting the body about or squirming, as in pain or struggle

rite

An established, ceremonial, usually religious, act

treacherous

Likely to betray trust, unreliable

bastard

Often used as a slur, bastard historically refers to a child born of unmarried parents

verandah

A roofed, open-air gallery or porch

brahmins

A class in Hinduism that specialized as priests and teachers.

sindur

Sindur refers to the bridegroom's putting red ochre in the parting of a bride's hair, an important part of some Hindu wedding ceremonies.

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