1. rannygazoo — nonsense; silliness
We had left early for our ride to the abbey, and so missed all the rannygazoo with the disappearing and reappearing silver ewer which terribly upset Mother.
2. kakorrhaphiophobia — fear of failure
To confront and defeat his paralyzing kakorrhaphiophobia, Edward began a strenuous program of skydiving, karaoke, ballroom dancing, and slam poetry.
3. parasang — historical Persian unit of distance, approximately 3-1/2 miles
The foul but wise man informed us we were still at least a day’s march from the temple, but added that he would be happy to accompany us for a few parasangs, so we controlled our instinctive response and thanked him for gracing us with his redolent presence.
4. indomptable (also indomptible) — indomitable, uncontrollable
Much as I’ve always respected Perkins for his indomptable courage (as shown in the incident with the Major’s horse), I never thought much of his racing tips.
5. swayback — animal (esp. a horse) with a sagging spine
Finally he understood why his father had been at such pains to purchase the swayback nag.
6. gas and gaiters — [slang] the cat’s pajamas, good times
“Now if we can only find Captain Braddock’s artificial leg it’ll be gas and gaiters for us!”
7. lich-wake (also lyke-wake) — [obsolete] the ritual vigil over a corpse before burial
Soaked by the rain, my boots and trousers bespattered with mud, I was glad to see the three gloomy watchers at the lich-wake, and I approached the bier with candles at each end knowing that I was not too late.
8. gadroon – raised decorative curves on silverware or other objets d’art
Sitting next to Sir Feldrow meant hours of listening to discussion of gadroons and ogees, and the merits of paktong versus German silver, so I steeled myself for the ordeal ahead and tried on my best “Oh, isn’t that interesting?” visage.
9. botheration — annoyance, effort
The old hound was a joy and a true help on the hunt but this new puppy is a botheration only and I’m thinking of giving him to Jessie, over to the Stewarts.
10. bellwether — predictor or herald of future trends; belled lead sheep of a flock
But that first illness, though it proved not to be fatal for Emily, was a bellwether of the nightmare that was to wrack our community throughout the long, hot summer.