Unmasked Heart_A Regency Romance_Challenge of the Soul
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PART THREE
Glossary
MANY OF MY readers are new to Regencies. I always include a glossary to help others learn more about this time. If you have favorite terms that you think should be included please email me. I’ll acknowledge you in a newsletter or an upcoming book. Thank you. You are wonderful. VR
The Regency – The Regency is a period of history from 1811-1825 (sometimes expanded to 1795-1837) in England. It takes its name from the Prince Regent who ruled in his father's stead when the king suffered mental illness. The Regency is known for manners, architecture, and elegance. Jane Austen wrote her famous novel, Pride and Prejudice (1813), about characters living during the Regency.
England is a country in Europe. London is the capital city of England.
Image of England from a copper engraved map created by William Darton in 1810.
Port Elizabeth was a town founded in 1820 at the tip of South Africa. The British settlement was an attempt to strengthen England's hold on the Cape Colony and to be buffer from the Xhosa.
Xhosa - A proud warrior people driven to defend their land and cattle-herding way of life from settlers expanding the boundaries of the Cape Colony.
Image of South Africa from a copper engraved map created by John Dower in 1835.
Abigail – A lady's maid.
Soiree – An evening party.
Bacon-brained – A term meaning foolish or stupid.
Black – A description of a black person or an African.
Black Harriot – A famous prostitute stolen from Africa, then brought to England by a Jamaican planter who died, leaving her without means. She turned to harlotry to earn a living. Many members of the House of Lords became her clients. She is described as tall, genteel, and alluring, with a degree of politeness.
Blackamoor – A dark-skinned person.
Bombazine – Fabric of twilled or corded cloth made of silk and wool or cotton and wool. Usually the material was dyed black and used to create mourning clothes.
Breeched – The custom of a young boy no longer wearing pinafores and now donning breeches. This occurs about age six.
Breeches – Short, close-fitting pants for men, which fastened just below the knees and were worn with stockings.
Caning – A beating typically on the buttocks for naughty behavior.
Compromise – To compromise a reputation is to ruin or cast aspersions on someone's character by catching them with the wrong people, being alone with someone who wasn't a relative at night, or being caught doing something wrong. During the Regency, gentlemen were often forced to marry women they had compromised.
Dray – Wagon.
Footpads – Thieves or muggers in the streets of London.
Greatcoat – A big outdoor overcoat for men.
Mews – A row of stables in London for keeping horses.
Pelisse - An outdoor coat for women that is worn over a dress.
Quizzing Glass – An optical device, similar to a monocle, typically worn on a chain. The wearer might use the quizzing glass to look down upon people.
Reticule – A cloth purse made like a bag that had a drawstring closure.
Season – One of the largest social periods for high society in London. During this time, a lady attended a variety of balls and soirees to meet potential mates.
Sideboard – A low piece of furniture the height of a writing desk which housed spirits.
Ton – Pronounced tone, the ton was a high class in society during the Regency era.