The Portrait of a Lady: Glossary

Glossary

mantelpiece – shelf projecting from the wall above a fireplace

absurd        – inconsistent/ illogical

fables – tales/stories

hobbled – walked unsteadily

pucker        – to contract the face into wrinkles

expanse    – widespread

monotonous– unchanging /boring

snapped    – broke / cut

seclusion – isolation

bedlam       – noisy confusion

perched     – sat / rested

rebukes     – scoldings

dilapidated – damaged

pallor           – an unhealthy pale appearance

shroud       – cloth used to wrap a dead person