Language

Sullen (adj) sul-en Bad tempered or sulky. Middle English (in the senses ‘solitary, averse to…

Gantry (noun) gan-tree A bridge-like overhead structure with a platform supporting equipment such as a…

Trebuchet (noun) treb-u-shet A machine used in medieval siege warfare for hurling large stones or…

Proffer (verb) prof-er Hold out or put forward (something) to someone for acceptance./ An offer…

Charlatan (noun) shar-la-tan A person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill. Early…

Obsequial (adj) ob-seek-kwi-al Of or relating to funerals Late 17th century; earliest use found in…

Fain (adj) fain (archaic) Pleased or willing under the circumstances. Old English fægen ‘happy, well…

Ze (Pronoun) zee Used instead of ‘he’ or ‘she’ to refer to a person of…

Apoplectic (adj) ap-o-plek-tik (informal) Overcome with anger; furious. Early 17th century from French apoplectique or…