Vanka

Vanka Glossary

Apprentice

A novice taken in by a master craftsman, who instructs him in how to perform the requirements of a trade

Cobbler

A shoemaker

Cudgel

A short, thick club used as a weapon

Deference

A show of respect and esteem, or of submission and acceptance

Exploitation

Reaping the rewards of the work of others without proportionate compensation for the labor required

Furtively

Secretly and with cunning; surreptitiously

Gruel

Cheaply made food with a runny consistency made from oatmeal or cornmeal and water, designed to be served efficiently to large masses of diners

Ikon

A religious relic

Inquisitorial

Possessing a judgmental interrogative style

Jest

A funny remark containing an element of biting truth

Jesuitical

Crafty, sly, intriguing; a term that refers (in a derogatory fashion) to a branch of the Roman Catholic priesthood

Kopek

A unit of Russian currency; 1 rouble = 100 kopek

Larder

A non-refrigerated area for storing food

Mallet

A wooden hammer-like tool

Menial

Lowly and unskilled

Pathos

The evocation of genuine pity and sadness, though often without lapsing into manipulative sentimentality

Quadrille

A square dance with choreography that requires a minimum of four couples

Redemption

Forgiveness of sins and granting of salvation

Snuff

A pinch of powdered tobacco

Trifled

To interfere with in a minor way

Triviality

A minor and seemingly insignificant detail—like a postage stamp—which may have the potential to create disproportionately large repercussions

Vestibule

An entrance area

Wigging

Nagging or bothersome behavior

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