The Well Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from The Well

Croesus (noun (proper))

A king of ancient Lydia (6th century BCE) renowned for his vast wealth; used proverbially to mean an extremely rich person.

windlass (noun)

A mechanical lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank, around which a rope or chain is wound, used especially for drawing water from a well.

coping (noun)

The top course of a wall, typically made of brick or stone, often sloped to shed water; here, the flat rim or ledge around the top of the well.

bracken (noun)

A large, coarse fern that grows densely in woodland and on heathland, common in British countryside.

peremptorily (adverb)

In a manner that admits no refusal or contradiction; insistently and with an air of authority that expects immediate compliance.

billiard-room (noun)

A room in a large house designated for playing billiards, a cue sport played on a cloth-covered table; common in upper-class English country houses.

unabashed (adjective)

Not embarrassed or ashamed; showing no sign of being disconcerted despite a situation that might reasonably cause discomfort.

chidingly (adverb)

In a manner that expresses mild disapproval or scolding; reproachfully but gently.

fortnight (noun)

A period of two weeks; fourteen days. Common in British English.

disfavour (noun)

Disapproval or dislike; a feeling of displeasure toward something.

burnishing (verb (present participle))

Polishing or rubbing something to make it shine; here used figuratively to describe vigorous rubbing of one's face with a towel.

rank (adjective)

Growing too thickly and coarsely; luxuriant in an uncontrolled, wild way. Applied to vegetation that has grown unchecked.

cur (noun)

A mongrel or worthless dog; used contemptuously to describe a despicable or cowardly person.

autographs (noun)

Here used figuratively to mean signatures on documents, specifically forged signatures or promissory notes that Carr has been giving away recklessly.