Wondrous Words Wednesday 22/2/12

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a fabulous weekly meme hosted by Bermuda Onion, where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our weekly reading.  

I read The Wind in the Willows recently for the first time. One of the things I particularly loved about it was the wonderful, extensive vocabulary. Some of which was familiar, and evocative, some of which was new. 

1. Wager-boat (Noun)

'Toad's out, for one,' replied the Otter. 'In his brand-new wager-boat; new togs, new everything!'

The newest, top racing boat. These boats were raced when bets were on the line. Rowing History.

2. Morocco

The 'Poop-poop' rang with a brazen shout in their ears, they had a moment's glimpse of an interior of glittering plate-glass and rich morocco, and the magnificent motor-car, immense, breath-snatching, passionate, with its  pilot tense and hugging his wheel, possessed all earth and air for the fraction of a second, flung an enveloping cloud of dust that blinded and entrapped them utterly, and then dwindled to a speck in the far distance, changed back into a droning bee once more. 

A soft fine leather of goatskin tanned with sumac, used for book bindings and shoes. The Free Dictionary.

And car interiors it seems. 

Josephine's prayer book

3. Vouchsafed (Verb)


Me complain of that beautiful, that heavenly vision that has been vouchsafed me!


To condescend to grant or bestow (a privilege, for emaple); deign. The Free Dictionary. 


4. Purple loosestrife (Noun)


Purple loosestrife arrived early, shaking luxuriant tangled locks along the edge of the mirrro whence its own face laughed back at it. 


A flowering plant belonging to the family Lythraceae, native to Europe, Asia, northwest Africa and southeastern Australia. Wiki. 

Picture credit

5. Freshet (Noun)


Leaf-mould rose and obliterated, streams in their winter freshets brought sand and soil to clog and to cover, and in course of time our home was ready for us again, and we moved in. 


i) A sudden overflow of a stream resulting from a heavy rain or a thaw.
ii) A stream of fresh water that empties into a body of salt water. The Free Dictionary. 


6. Appurtenance (Noun)


Close against the white blind hung a birdcage, clearly silhouetted, every wire, perch and appurtenance distinct and recognisable, even to yesterday's dull-edged lump of sugar. 


i) Something added to another, more important thing; an appendange.
ii) Equipment such as clothing, tools, or instruments, used for a specific purpose or task; gear. 
iii) Law. A right, privilege, or property that is considered incident to the principal property for purposes such as passage of title, conveyance, or inheritance. The Free Dictionary. 


7. Expatiate (Verb)


His spirits finally quite restored, he must needs go and caress his possessions, and take a lamp and show off their points to his visitor and expatiate on them, quite forgetful of the supper they both so much needed; Rat, who was desperately hungry but strove to conceal it, nodding seriously, examining with a puckered brow, and saying 'wonderful', and 'most remarkable' at intervals, when the chance for an observation was given him. 


i) To speak or write at length
ii) To wander freely. The Free Dictionary


8. Benison (Noun)


For ere on half of the night was gone,
Sudden a star has led us on,
Raining bliss and benison-


A blessing, a benediction. The Free Dictionary.