Glossary

From Wiki

Here is a list of some notable terms used throughout the Kushiel's Legacy series.

• abeyante - A style of kneeling, in which the legs are tucked beneath the body and the kneeler attempts to be as unthreatening and respectful as possible.

• anguissette - A true masochist; one who feels pain and pleasure as one.

• Dowayne - A term applied to a man or woman leading one of the 13 Night Court Houses.

• gadje - (tsingani) A non-Tsingani person.

• Joie - A traditional alcoholic drink, served during the midwinter festival, similar to champagne.

• kumpania - (tsingani) A tribe or clan of Tsinganis.

• Kushiel's Dart - A red mote in the left eye that marks one as an anguissette.

• languisement - oral sex, as performed by the Night Court courtesans.

• marque - The tattoed mark of a Servant of Naamah which indicates freedom (when completed).

• marquist - The Tattoo artist of high repute.

• Midwinter Masque - A grand celebration at Cereus House to observe the Longest Night (winter solstice). Patrons must hold a token of Naamah to enter, a gift given at the Dowayne's discretion.

• Mont Nuit - The home of the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers; a series of 13 estates and mansions housing the courtesans.

• Night Court - A collection of 13 Houses which consist of courtesans, and those training to be courtesans; the most elite cadre of religious prostitutes in Terre d'Ange.

• Night's Doorstep - The collection of disreputable houses and shops below Mont Nuit.

• signale - The signal word used which halts all love-play, a word which cannot be mistaken for play. It is considered heresy to continue any actions when this word is called. Only Valerian and Mandrake houses strictly require a signale.

• terminus - The last maneuver a Cassiline Monk can perform, simultaneously slitting his own throat and throwing a knife through the heart of his charge. It has never been performed.

• vrajna - (tsingani) Something that is forbidden or unclean.

• Yeshuites - A race of people persecuted in many lands, though welcome in Terre d'Ange. They are known to be excellent doctors.