1. crocodile — line of walking persons, esp. when composed of children
Like some strange Pied Piper I led the crocodile through the rubble and broken walls, hoping the older children would encourage the younger and prevent those toddlers from falling aside before we had reached some semblance of safety.
2. gramercy — [archaic] expression of thanks
“Gramercy, sire!” he said, going to his knees. “That you should bestow such grace upon one as mean as I, who am not fit to carry your linen.”
3. cruet — small container of condiment or seasoning for use at table; small container for Eucharistic wine
Not like some publicans, he was never ungenerous with his cruets of mustard or vinegar, and he always gave full measure in his tankards.
4. proprioceptive — of or related to the sensing of body parts and their relative position one from the other
The fog began to lift from my mind, though I was still having some proprioceptive difficulties from whatever drug my wine had been doped with, and my right shoulder seemed to be missing while my left foot somehow became detached and floated up towards the ceiling whenever I turned my head sharply.
5. rogation — profound prayer
The church began observance of Rogation Days in the 5th Century, but we moderns eschew the very idea of rogation, which recognizes our subservience before God’s power to provide everything we need to live our daily lives.
6. dysthymia — long-term low-grade depression
Alan realized quite well that he suffered continually from dysthymia, with occasional severe episodes usually centering upon his birthday, but he felt that the medication he’d been offered was like getting rid of a fly in the house with a bazooka.
7. instanter — immediately, right away
The sheriff is therefore directed to seize instanter all properties, chattels, and appurtenances of the defendant, saving only the attire he now wears and the sum of £20.
8. motivic — [music] of or related to a motif, used as a motif
These descending fifths serve as a motivic connection to the closing theme of the act, which is reprised by the horns as the finale begins.
9. griffonage — terrible handwriting, illegible scrawl
I am including a typed fair copy of my griffonage because, although I do believe that personal letters should be handwritten, I also wish you to be able to read the words I write.
10. soilure — act of soiling; staining, dirtiness
Though I feared at first to track mud into his rooms, one look at the soilure filling his apartment convinced me that I could hardly add to the mess within.
Bonus Vocabulary
(tools)
head race pliers — pliers with curved notched grip, designed for loosening or tightening lock rings on a bicycle’s headset
That bearing was just rolling in its slot as I tried to remove the pulley, and I wished I had some head race pliers to hold it while I turned the pulley, but I ended up having to use the sawzall instead.