Language

Madrigal (noun) mad-rig-ul A part-song for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically…

Scapula (noun) skap-yu-la The technical name for a shoulder blade Late 16th century from late…

Respeldent (adj) res-plen-dent Attractive and impressive through being richly colourful or sumptuous. Late Middle English…

Cabal (noun) ka-bal A secret political clique or faction. Late 16th century (denoting the Kabbalah):…

Palfrey (noun) (archaic) pawl-free A docile horse used for ordinary riding, especially by women. Middle…

Circadian (adj) sur-kay-dee-un (of biological processes) recurring naturally on a twenty-four-hour cycle, even in the…

Scrump (verb) sk-rump Steal (fruit) from an orchard. Mid 19th century from dialect scrump ‘withered…

Purulent (adj) pew-rew-lent Consisting of, containing, or discharging pus. Late Middle English from Latin purulentus…

Catafalque (noun) kat-a-falk A decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during…