Wondrous Words Wednesday

Happy Wednesday — it’s time for some new words! You know how this works – share a few words from your current book that you had to look up, then head over to Bermuda Onion’s Weblog to learn some new ones.

This week, my words are from Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway. I have been gushing about this book all over the place, so now, a couple of cool words…

1. Tosher – A tosher is someone who scavenges in the sewers, especially in London during the Victorian era.

“This one requires a key; the toshers have installed a simple lock, not as a serious barrier to entry, but as a polite statement of territoriality.”

2. Horologist – a person who makes clocks or watches.

“Not perfect, horologist.”

3. Pruritus – itching

“Joe, one shoulder still sore from a near miss two weeks ago, says they are Satanic messengers of discord and pruritus.

4. Trenchant – Vigorous or incisive in expression or style.

“Billy, unsettled, is prone to flights of trenchant fantasy.”

5. Enfilade – A volley of gunfire directed along a line from end to end.

“There are access points along the main corridor, which zigzags  around the rooms, making them more private but also obviating the possibility of an enfilade.

What new words did you learn this week?

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