Glossary

Glossary

turnstile (n) : a mechanical gate consisting of revolving horizontal arms fixed to a vertical post, allowing only one person at a time to pass through

hollyhocks (n) : a tall Eurasian plant of the mallow family, with large showy flowers

colonel (n) : a rank of officer in the army

brigadier (n) : a rank of officer in the British army, above Colonel

trapeze (n) : a horizontal bar hanging by two ropes and free to swing, used by acrobats in a circus

muttered (v) : to utter words in a low tone

 slithered (v) : slide or slip unsteadily on a loose or slippery surface

pruning (v) : the act of trimming a plant

bougainvillea (n) : an ornamental shrubby climbing plant that is widely cultivated in tropics

chiming (v) : making melodious ringing sounds typically to indicate the time

budgerigars (n) : a small Australian bird of the parrot family, often kept in a cage as a pet

cranking (v) : the act of turning a handle to start an engine

sprightliness (n) : lively and full of energy