Wondrous Words Wednesday 26/9/12

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.  

This weeks words come from my recent reading of Henry VIIIs Wives. This is the second post of words from this book, the first one is here. 

1. Chaconne (Noun)

2. Bourree (Noun)

Even though his lame leg and huge size prevent him from taking part in the dancing, he loves to watch Katherine dance with others, delighting in her quick feet and the elegant turn of her head in a chaconne or bourree.

Chaconne- a dance in slow triple time probably originating in Spain. The free dictionary. 

Bourree- an old French dance resembling the gavotte. The free dictionary. 

3. Masques (Noun)

We are all involved in rehearsals for masques to be held later this month, in an effort to rouse the King from his lethargy. 

A dramatic entertainment, usually performed by masked players representing mythological or allegorical figures, that was popular in England in the 16 and early 17th centuries. Often performed at court. The free dictionary. 

4. Chamberlain

Her husband, Lord Baynton, will go with them as well, since he is Katherine's chamberlain. 

i) a. An officer who manages the household of a sovereign or noble; a chief steward

b. A high- ranking official in various royal courts. 

ii) An official who receives the rents and fees of a municipality; a treasurer. The free dictionary. 

5. Sconces (Noun)

Tom has long wanted to use his skills to make decorative ironwork- finely wrought lamps and fire baskets, wall brackets and candle sconces. 

A decorative wall bracket for holding candles or lights. The free dictionary.

6. Rood screen (Noun)

To his delight, the Church dignitaries have asked him to construct a large, intricate rood screen for the church where Dan and Alice were married. 

A partition of stone or wood, often richly carved and decorated, that separates the chancel from the main part of a church: it is surmounted by a crucifix (rood), and was an important feature of medieval churches, in England many rood screens were destroyed at the Reformation. 

Picture source

7. Tilt-yard

When the boys go outside to practice archery or the tilt-yard skills, she take up her lute and plays and sings, or puts in more work on a piece of intricate embroidery.

An enclosed courtyard for jousting. Wikipaedia.