A Regency Era Lexicon

Regency Research

For well over twenty years since I first started my infatuation with the Regency Era, I have maintained a lexicon to help me decipher Georgette Heyer (follow the link to Frederica, my favorite of her books), and others. Then as I began to write in the genre in the years 2000, I put more emphasis on it.

I have seen a few others on the web, but I have not seen any as complete as the one maintained at Regency Assembly Press that I have contributed to.

With the emphasis that has been placed recently on Research there, with not only the Lexicon, but the Timelines, lives of the Prime Ministers, Dance Instruction and Regency Era Money, it is a growing resource for all Regency readers and writers. I urge everyone to have a look as it continues to grow.

I also provide here the first few letters of the alphabet to entice you to visit that page. Or even bookmark it for when you need to look up a particular Regency term.

A Crush–A very successful party where there is no room to circulate.
A Fudge–False rumor.
A Trifle Disguised–Slightly drunk.
Abigail–A lady’s maid.
Accoucheur-Man-midwife. Trained or acting as a doctor that specializes in pregnancy and the birth of children. Sir Richard Croft or Sir William Knighton as an example.
Affair Of Honor–A duel.
All The Crack–Very fashionable
Almack’s–Assembly rooms on King Street in London. Private, very exclusive subscription balls were held there each Wednesday night of the Season. Its important patronesses (in 1814 they were Lady Castlereigh, Lady Jersey, Lady Cowper, Lady Sefton, Mrs. Drummond-Burrell, Princess Esterhazy, and Countess Lieven) determined who was allowed to purchase subscription vouchers.
Ape-Drunk–Very drunk.
Ape-Leader–An old maid or spinster. Their punishment after death for failing to procreate, it was said, would be to lead apes in hell.
Apoplexy–A stroke.
Assembly Rooms–Halls where dances, concerts and other social events were held. Most towns had assembly rooms. The most famous is Almack’s in London.
Astley’s Royal Amphitheatre–A circus in London featuring horseback riding, acrobats, clowns and the like.
At home to a peg–Driving term, manage unfamiliar horses. Drive a team of four or even six horses.
Bacon-Brained–Foolish, stupid.
Bag Of Moonshine–Lot of nonsense.
Bamboozle–Trick.
Banbury Tale–A roundabout, nonsensical story.
Bandeau–A narrow band of (usually) stiffened fabric worn on the head to confine the hair.
Bandy Words–Talk.
Bang Up To The Mark–On time.
Banns – Reading The Banns–A notice of an impending marriage given on three consecutive Sundays in one’s parish church. If no one objected to the match during this period, the marriage could proceed.
Banyan–A loose-skirted coat worn by men as a dressing gown.
Barking Irons–Pistols.
Barouche–A four-wheeled carriage with two facing seats, the forward facing seat having a collapsible hood. It had a driver’s box seat in front and could be pulled by two or four horses. The barouche was the preferred carriage for aristocratic ladies (it was an expensive vehicle) during good weather when the hood could be pushed down.
Barque Of Frailty–Woman of easy virtue.
Barrister–A lawyer who argues cases in court. See also solicitor.
Bartholomew Baby–A person dressed up in a tawdry manner, like the dolls sold at Bartholomew Fair (a two-week festival celebrating the Feast of St. Bartholomew). 
Base-Born Child–Illegitimate offspring.
Bath Chair–Wheelchair. Probably named because they were used by many invalids taking the waters in Bath.
Batman–An orderly assigned to a military officer.
Be With Malt Above Water–Be drunk.
Bear Leader–A traveling tutor, who leads his charges as if they were trained bears.
Beau Monde–The fashionable society, fashionable elite. 
Beautiful Stepper–Fine piece of horseflesh.
Become A Tenant For Life–marry.
Bedlam–An insane asylum in London. The full name was the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem.
Befogged–Confused.
Being Cupped–Have blood taken/let.
Bellows To Mend With (boxing term)–Having the wind knocked out – this may happen to a young buck who sees an attractive woman.
Beneath My Touch–Not good enough.
Bird Of Paradise–Woman of easy virtue.
Bit O’muslin–A woman of who gives sexual favors in exchange for payment.
Black-legs–Gambling cheat and swindler.
Bleed Very Freely–Give lots of money.
Blue Ruin–Gin.
Bluestocking–A lady interested in books, learning and scholarly pursuits. From the so-called “Blue Stocking Society” which a group of society ladies began in the 1750′s to discuss literature and other matters. Interestingly, the “blue stockings” were worn by a man — Benjamin Stillingfleet, who was asked to attend the group, but since he did not own formal evening dress including the requisite black silk stockings, he wore his informal clothes along with blue worsted stockings.
Blunt–Money; ready cash.
Bombazine–A twilled fabric with a very dull finish. It was commonly dyed black, making it an ideal fabric for mourning garments.
Bond Street Beau–A fashionable gentleman, as one might find on Bond Street in London.
Bone-Setters–Poor quality horses.
Boot Is Quite On The Other Leg–The situation is quite the reverse.
Borde 12 pence,a shilling (approx $100).
Bosky–Drunk.
Bouncer–Lie.
Bow Street Runner–The precursor of the metropolitan police, the Bow Street Runners were established in the mid-18th century by the magistrate of the Bow Street court, who happened to be the novelist Henry Fielding at that time. The runners were professional detectives who pursued felons across the country. They could also be hired by private individuals if the magistrate approved and could spare them.
Breach Of Promise–If one’s intended broke off the engagement, one could sue for breach of promise and receive moderate financial compensation.
Breeches–Short, close-fitting trousers that fastened just below the knees and were worn with stockings.
Brought To Point Non Plus–In a situation with no options.
Brown – Doing It Much Too Brown–To be roasted (i.e., browned), deceived, taken in.
Brown Study–Said of one absent, in a reverie, or thoughtful. From the French expression “sombre réverie.” Sombre and brun both mean sad, melancholy, gloomy, dull.
Buckskins–Fashionable trousers made from the skin of deer.
Bull–5 shillings, a coachwheel, crown, bullseye, (approx $500).
Bullseye–5 shillings, a coachwheel, bull, crown, (approx $500).
Bumblebroth–A tangled situation; a mess.
Busk–A flat length of wood, bone, whalebone, or steel used to stiffen the front of a bodice. Generally the busk was inserted into a busk sheath down the front of a corset. Sometimes a busk was carved with emblems or romantic symbols and presented as a love token. Sailors, for example, often carved whale bone busks to give their sweethearts back home.
By-Blow–An illegitimate child.
Cabriolet–An open-air owner-driven two-wheeled vehicle similar in appearance to a curricle (see below) except that is was designed for a single horse only, and instead of a seat in the back for the “tiger” there was only a small platform on which he would stand. It came into use about 1810, but reached its peak of popularity during the early Victorian years.
Calf-Clingers–Pantaloons.
Calf-Love–Immature love of a young man.
Cambric–A very fine, thin linen.
Canterbury Tales–Lies.
Caper Merchant–Dancing instructor.
Capote–A transitional form between a cap (soft, unstructured) and a bonnet (rigid, shaped). The brim is made of stiffened fabric, but the crown is of soft fabric shaped into a sort of pouch.
Caps – Pull Caps–To quarrel like two women, who pull each other’s caps.
Captain Sharps–Gambling cheat and swindler.
Carte-Blanche–An offer by a gentleman that includes living under his protection, but not marriage.
Cast Up One’s Accounts–To vomit.
Cat-Lap–milk – Champagne if used as a joke.
Cattle–Horses.
Cent Per Center–Moneylender. From the French meaning “100 for every 100,” in other words interest equal to the amount of the principal.
Chaise–A light, open carriage, usually with a folding top. They generally had two wheels and sat two people and were drawn by one horse.
Chariot–A traveling chariot was a small privately owned vehicle, the equivalent of the rented post chaise. [See definition of Post Chaise, below, for details.]
Chatelaine–A set of decorative and useful items hung at the waist, recreating the concept of the medieval chatelaine or lady of the castle wearing her keys at her waist. Keys were still a part of a housekeeper’s utilitarian chatelaine, but they were also worn for strictly decorative purposes by fashionable ladies, and might include a watch and watch key, various etuis holding sewing or writing implements, vinaigrettes, pens, ivory leaves for notes, seals, and tiny coin purses. They were usually held at the waist with a chain, like a watch chain. Also referred to as waist-hung equipages.
Cheltenham Tragedy–To make a Cheltenham tragedy out of something is to make a big deal out of nothing, or blow a situation out of proportion. This may be a reference to the melodramas that were performed at Cheltenham spa.
Chemise–A loose-fitting, long, straight shirt with short sleeves worn under the corset as an undergarment. The term shift is also used for this garment, though it was considered a somewhat vulgar term.
Chemisette–A sleeveless shirt, much like a dickey, used to fill in the neckline of a gown.  
Chère-Amie–A gentleman’s mistress. From the French for “dear friend.”
Chit–A young girl.
Chitterlings–Inside parts of the pig.
Cicisbeo–A married lady’s admirer and escort. From the Italian.
Cit–A contemptuous term for a member of the merchant class, one who works in or lives in the City of London, i.e. the central business area of London.
Civil Whiskers–Polite small talk.
Claret – Draw Someone’s Claret–Give someone a bloody nose.
Cleaned Out–Has no money.
Climbing Boy–A boy used by chimney sweeps to climb up into small, hard-to-reach places. Regency heroines frequently rescue them.
Coachwheel–5 shillings, crown, bull, bullseye, (approx $500).
Cock Up One’s Toes–To die.
Cock-Sure–Proud and confident.
Cogged–Loaded dice used in gambling.
Colour Up–To blush.
Come Out–A young lady’s first entry into society. She would first be presented at the Royal Court, and a ball would usually be held in her honor. Then she would be free to attend society events and seek a husband.
Come Up To Scratch–Make an offer of marriage. Diligent mamas are often hoping their daughters can bring a certain gentleman up to scratch.
Commonplace Mind–Dirty or vulgar mind.
Congé–To give someone her congé is to dismiss her. Especially used for gentlemen and their mistresses. From the French meaning notice or leave.
Consols–Short for Consolidated Annuities. These were government securities that paid a fixed rate of interest each year.
Constables–Peacekeeping officers appointed by the local magistrate to arrest criminals. See also Bow Street Runners.
Convenients–Women of easy virtue.
Copper–A penny, pence (approx $8).
Corinthian–A gentleman who is fashionable and adept at sporting activities. It originally meant profligate, after the apparently elegant yet dissipated lifestyle in ancient Corinth.
Cork-Brained–Foolish, stupid.
Corky–Bright and lively.
Corn Laws–Laws passed to put tariffs on imported corn in order to protect domestic farmers. The result was exorbitant food prices that made it difficult for working people to feed their families. The laws were repealed in 1846.
Cotillion–A French dance for four or more couples with complicated steps and much changing of partners, led by one couple.
Country-Dance–A dance of rural English origin in which partners face each other in two long lines.
Coxcomb–A vain, conceited person. It formerly meant “fool,” from the caps fools wore with bells and a piece of red cloth on the top, in the shape of a cock’s comb.
Cravat–A gentleman’s neckcloth made of starched linen that could be tied in a variety of styles.
Crown–5 shillings, a coachwheel, bull, bullseye, (approx $500).
Cry Rope On Someone–Give them away, tell secrets etc.
Cucumberish–To have no money.
Cups – In One’s Cups–Inebriated, drunk.
Curate–A clergyman who assists a pastor, rector or vicar.
Curricle–A fashionable open-air two-wheeled sporting vehicle designed for a pair of horses and seating for two (i.e. the Regency equivalent of a two-seater convertible sports car).
Cut A Wheedle–Ingratiate self with someone by lying.
Cut Up My Peace–Disturb me.
Cut, Cut Direct–To cut someone is to refuse to recognize that person socially. The cut direct was the most blatant way — one would look the other person directly in the face but pretend not to know him. The cut indirect involved simply looking another way, the cut sublime involved looking up at the sky until the person passed, and the cut infernal involved looking at the ground or stooping to adjust one’s shoes.
Cutting Shams–Lying.
Cyprian–A woman of who gives sexual favors in exchange for payment; a mistress or courtesan. Named for the island of Cyprus, famous for the worship of Aprhrodite, goddess of love.
Cythereans–Mistresses.

The Writing LIfe

My new writing project is another regency, tentatively titled The Heir. I am now over 300 pages into it and nearly done. The heroine of course can not stand the hero, who is trying to understand why she dislikes him so. Part of the action takes place in St. James Square, where I have located our Heroine’s home. That was written about, in a blog post from fellow writer Angelyn Schmid on her post about Let’s do Business in Bed.

I enclose a few more paragraphs from the first draft.

Chapter 2 continued

They had run three fat purses and more from their betting on the charger that cousin Henry had gifted him. The Earl had made some jest that should Sebastian get the desire to see how breeding horses produced winners, champions, then he had the assurance that the work with the stables would continue to the next generation. Sebastian was not opposed to the idea. He saw no harm in being regarded as a successful breeder but he knew that it was not going to define him. Nor was service in the house of Lords.

He had expressed an interest in being attached to the Foreign Office when he had thought he might have to earn a living. What else was reading the classics good for. He did not want to read law in the Temple. He thought nothing might make him wish to expire than doing that. And after his adventure, he did not wish to return to see any signs of war. That did not leave many professions, and truth was he was really only trained now to be a Peer. His cousin had seen to that to an extent. As the years went by and further inactivity was his lot, it became more apparent that the path his cousin followed would be the one he did as well.

A landowner, as his cousin had once told him, meant that he had a role to fill for thousands of families relied upon him to survive and flourish. Perhaps not thrive and become the richest of men, but to have more at the end of the year, then one had the previous year. That way all the people who did rely on one would know they still could rely on one.

Of them all, Hamilton was the closest to trade and actually earning money as any of them. His father dealt in supplying and outfitting the regiments of the army with guns. A lot of guns, and one became rich. When ear had been nearly continuous for twenty years against the French, a lot of guns were manufactured and a man became rich. So rich that his sone was able to be a gentleman and always at his leisure.

Sebastian said, “There shall be another race in early March, we I hope shall be prepared. Zuma shall be sure to run fast and I hope we shall see success again. This will be the last year he shall do well, I fear. Two years of strong racing and then shall we see about another horse, that is the question I ask myself. I think the Earl of Bath wished that I shall.”

“My uncle knows that I am a friend and have gone and wagered on your horse. Zuma has done well but the Earl does not offer me a great racer as a gift. He says he will gladly sell me one, and offer me a very favorable deal as I am family. I am much closer family, than you, Bass.” The Viscount said.

“Yet, I am the heir. That may count for something.” Sebastian responded.

Viscount Beauchamp said, “With my uncle, it is hard to say. Though this last year, as mother has spent time with Lady Annabella, I have seen I think more than all the years before. I do remember when I was a child traveling to Combe Edinsley when my Aunt was alive.”

“I have been once to that property for a mere few hours,” Sebastian said. “Before I left for Oxford, I was shown the property as quick as one can see anything in such a short amount of time. I believe after your aunt died, the Earl’s grief left him without much thought to regular social amenities.”

The Viscount barked a short laugh, “If you mean that he was so overcome that he forgot all, I think you are correct. Even before that I am sure it was my aunt who guided his hand. But since, I can not say who has restored his wits to what they are now. I do not think it is the new Countess.”

“That may be the case. Lady Elizabeth is very gracious.” Sebastian did not say more, but privately he was sure the woman was overwhelmed by those of society, the Ton. She, Sebastian thought, dreaded that she become an ondit in their eyes, and of course, she had started life as an ondit since she was but a poor Vicar’s daughter who had never entered society now one of the great ladies.

“Well, a fine day is wasted if all we are to do is talk of the Earl of Bath, what horses he will sell you and his family, though I suppose half of us here are his family. I think shopping for anything should be keep me far better occupied, and I believe the plan was to select a new cane for Marlowe today. The old one had broken when Marlowe had scared off two footpads some few evenings before. He thought he had been heroic.

Sebastian had to agree, though that was not near the heroism that had been displayed at Corunna. Perhaps dwelling on that had caused the dream that had awoken him that morning. It would be nice to find something that could predict when he would have such dreams and something else that would cause them to flee before they took full hold of him. He was only thankful that his thrashing and occasional shouts did not waken the servants. That would have caused some embarrassment.

An income of two thousand a year, and now his sisters joining him, sent him in the direction of having many servants in his London house. Four in the kitchen, two maids, three men to manage the house, and then two men who saw to the gardens in the back, and two who took care of the horses housed in the mews. Thirteen people who saw to the care of one man. Soon to be augmented by a governess, two additional maids, an additional footman, and his butler informed him, that it would be time for a housekeeper as well. Sebastian supposed that eighteen taking care of three was much more fair than thirteen taking care of one.

He still had an allowance of far more than he was able to spend. Even if he was going to see to his sisters Seasons, he had more than he could possibly spend. And it was worse with the recent winnings at the tables.

“If Napoleon and his armies had not gobbled up so much of the rest of Europe, I would think that I should like to travel.” Sebastian said to his friends as towards the shops.

“Did you not already travel once upon the continent? Was that not enough?” Hamilton asked.

“I did not spend much time as a tourist during that occasion. I shall muddle through this season, though with some direction as I shall launch my sister Jennifer, but after, when they return to my aunts, or I pray, Jennifer has met a man to marry, I shall be at loose ends again. It would be nice to have some direction and surely a trip abroad would give me that.” Sebastian said.

“I have the place, then,” Peter Marlowe said. “Why not Egypt. We sent the Frenchies packing and I understand that there is a great deal to be done there and to be seen. Surely that would be an eye-opener.” The man thought he was being witty.

“You could visit the Russian Court. Summer is the only time to do so, I have heard. And the Baltic is not a serious impediment.” Viscount Beauchamp supplied.

“Or Austria, much more civilized court. Would have liked to have seen the old Holy Roman Emperor. But then at the end, it really wasn’t much of an empire.” Hamilton said.

“To think in our lifetime so much has happened. There is now Australia in the Pacific. The French began heroically to get rid of a class of nobles that lived excessively and denigrated into the terror, to now, they are once again our enemy. The little corporal carving up all of the world it would seem and toppling a thousand year empire. Never could such have been written but in some novel. Yet it is our world.” Sebastian said.

“You should have read maths at school. You see too much poetry in the world,” Marlowe said to him.

“I am afraid that you actually may be right about something. My training has left me with no great task, and yet my ambition is to succeed at one.” Sebastian said.

The Viscount laughed as they neared the shop that they wanted, “Bass, you still do not see that your great task is to follow my uncle as Earl of Bath. The ninth Earl. That your great task is to make sure that Bath is a great title amongst the lords of the land, and that its people’s sustenance are always foremost amongst your thoughts. That is what my father said to me of our title and holdings of Lowford. Such a title to preserve, the Viscount of Lowford. Is not the water that crosses a ford always low? Could not my great ancestor have asked for something different when the title was bestowed upon him?”

Sebastian said, “I have well been made aware that is my only task in life. I am another of your uncles prime breeding studs, and that I live a pampered life where I am groomed and fed the best. Where my cares are minimized that when the proper filly has come along, I shall give good service.”

Francis Hamilton said, “I think you have touched a point my Lord Viscount. Our friend seems pricked by those nettles of yours. Come Sir Bass, we all have our parts to play in this drama of life. Yours is not just to be a stud for service, and it seems to me that should that be all that you are, you have avoided your responsibilities for some time now.”

“Do I have a reputation?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes,” all three said at the same instant.

The doorman saw them approach and pulled open the wooden panel. Sebastian had a few pennies to hand and placed it discreetly in the man’s palm. He had a campaign medal and it was possible that he had seen service in one of the wars that England had fought for so long. Some men bought and sold such pieces of metal amongst them so they could pretend to have served. Sebastian was no fool. The men who were in service to him were very careful to ensure that no man claimed more than he had truly been a part of, and all his men, to the lowest man in the stables, had once served in the navy or army. His current valet was from his brother James last ship. A wounded arm had sent him ashore and missed the last sailing. James had written an introduction for the man. But when James docked in England again, Sebastian knew he would be in search of a new valet.

A good think for the man was adequate at tying his cravat, and buffing his coat. But he was only that, adequate. George, the valet, was better suited to the sea, then land, and until he was too old for a life at sea, that was the best place for him.

“Pray tell, what is my reputation then in society? Is is so damning that I should fear to see ladies raise their fans when I enter a room that they may gossip behind them all about myself?”

“We must add vain and forward this descriptive to the Times for the next occasion where you are cited within those pages. You will allow how there has been some mention of you in the papers. Mention with regard to women you have been seen to be honoring.” Hamilton said.

“You make me sound like a rake? You have seen me woo ladies, Beauchamp, Hamilton. Am I blatant or make any promise in any way?”

“Marlowe you have been spared for you have not seen how our friend comports himself in a Season. First there is the dance. I do believe it is during the dance that you decide whether you are attracted to the young miss.” The Viscount was summing up his character. “You do realize my uncle asks what is taking you such a long time to find a wife?”

Hamilton took up the narrative, “I agree with your lordships observation. Do you not notice that the women who he then calls on are of a certain type. Handsome and beauties with raven locks. Those who are light featured do not get a second dance or a second glance after he has done the social courtesies of one such perusal.”

“Yes, of course, they must be dark haired. I shall strive to keep Henrietta away from you this year, for she is much too fine for the likes of a blackguard such as you, Sir Bass.” Beauchamp said. Sebastian had met the young lady and she was quite fine. And dark haired. Most of the senoritas in Spain and Portugal had those raven tresses as well. Some had captured his heart with their defiance of life during the hardships of war that they had to endure. Who could not profess their love for such women. Is that why he liked to gaze upon such ladies here in London?

“So let me see if I understand,” Sebastian began, “I am a directionless parasite whom the mamas have decided shall never come up to scratch. That I but play with the chits affections and that overall, I am worthless.”

Viscount Beauchamp said, “It would seem so. And do not forget, the Earl is not yet dead. Were he to father a son, for he should still be able, then you will not have a title or lands to look forward to.”

At that Sebastian smiled. He had purchased some lands and they did have an income associated with it. The possibility of expanding them so that they would support a comfortable living did not seem so far fetched. Not perhaps the living he enjoyed in London at the moment, but he certainly could live modestly on the money that was brought in now by his lands. 150 pounds a year would keep a man with two servants in several decent, if not fashionable parts of Town.

“Then to give the lie to what is said, I must make a change. I believe the Earl will settle on me something much more permanent than a yearly allowance should I marry the correct brood mare to match to myself, the family stud. That should make any of the mama’s happy. He has several lessor estates besides Combe Edinsley. And since he only lives in Somerset, or here in London, he would not miss them.” Sebastian said. “I shall have to be something other than I have been,” he concluded.