in loco parentis
Latin for "in place of a parent": someone acting as guardian to a child
tutelary
serving as a protector, guardian, or patron.
residuum
a substance or thing that remains or is left behind.
objurgation
a harsh reprimand or criticism.
haitch
the letter "H" as pronounced in some dialects of English, particularly lower-class British English.
dormant
having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; temporarily inactive.
bequeathed
leave (a personal estate or one's body) to a person or other beneficiary by a will.
appendage
a thing that is added or attached to something larger or more important.
martyr
a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
diadem
a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty.
obliquity
deviating from the horizontal or vertical.
snuff
powdered tobacco that is sniffed up the nostril rather than smoked.
homeliness
not having elegance, refinement, or cultivation.
brougham
a horse-drawn carriage with a roof, four wheels, and an open driver's seat in front.
hansom
a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage accommodating two inside, with the driver seated behind.
drollery
whimsical humor.
colloquies
a conversation.
confederate
a person one works with, especially in something secret or illegal; an accomplice.
pelisse
a woman's cloak with armholes or sleeves, reaching to the ankles.
duenna
an older woman acting as a governess and companion in charge of girls, especially in a Spanish family.
peregrination
a journey, especially a long or meandering one.
candour
the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
reticence
inclination to be silent or uncommunicative in speech.
edification
the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually.
quandary
a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
