Wondrous Words Wednesday April 9

 Wondrous Words Wednesday is hosted by BermudaOnion each week. It's an opportunity to share new words you've encountered in your reading, or highlight words that you particularly enjoy.



The book I just finished had lots of wondrous words. Here are just a few.

Apparently the image of the little dead girl on the ancient alter had piqued someone's cultural tendencies. " A sacrificial virgin," I said. " A votary," said Cassie.  page 82

Votary : noun,
1. a person bound by a vow or promise, esp one bound to religious vows, as a monk or a nun.
2.a person devoted to a particular religion or object of worship; devout worshiper
3. a devoted or ardent supporter, as of a cause or ideal, etc.
4. a person who is devoted to any game,  study or pursuit

As the story progressed, I think the author used the 3rd definition for the word votary.

The castle grounds were golden and nostalgic in the slanting late-afternoon light. Tourists in shorts and backpacks wandered past, gawking up at the crenellations.

page 251

crenellation- noun : variation of the transitive verb crenellate:
to furnish with battlements or crenel, or squared notches.

Cassie's mood had shifted abruptly; the burst of ebullience had dissipated.... page 251

ebullience - noun:   zestful enthusiasm

....but The Squad has a deep, almost totemistic significance to him, and once he has resigned himself to back one of its members he backs him, or even her, all the way. page 388

totemistic-adj    variant of noun totemism.
1. belief in totoems and totem relationships
2. the use of totems to distinguish kin or descent groups
3. social customs based on totems

I think the author was using definition number 2. The captain regarded the Squad as family.

All these definitions are from my online dictionary. Your Dictionary quotes various dictionaries. 

I am not sure I would use any of these words in my everyday speech.  But it was fun to read them.


Until next time,
Stay Busy and Stay Happy