A dictionary of curious words

A glossary of words which may be uncommon to the reader

Automaton: a self-operating mechanical device.

Bazalgette: not a “what” but a “who”. Joseph Bazalgette was a civil engineer who devised London’s sewer network which helped stop the spread of cholera across the city. The London sewer network is seen as one of the modern industrial wonders of the world (though Lily and Robert might disagree after their ordeal).

Chronometer: a timepiece which has been specially tested to meet a certain standard of precision. (“Cogs and chronometers!”)

Costermonger: someone who sells goods – such as fruit and vegetables – from a cart in the street. You might well expect to see (and hear!) one or two costermongers milling around Brackenbridge.

Escapologist: an escapologist is an entertainer of sorts, who escapes from a variety of different dangers, such as handcuffs and ropes – or in the case of the notorious Jack Door, the police!

Howdah: a seat used for riding on the back of an elephant, either real or mechanical.

Hybrid: someone who is part-mech, part-human.

Mechanimal: a mechanical animal, such as Malkin.

Oakum shed: oakum is a type of tarred material used mainly in shipbuilding. In Victorian prisons, the prisoners would be made to pick apart old tarred ropes to make this material…although Jack Door preferred to simply pick up the oakum for his daring escape.

Peelers (or The Peelers): a “peeler” is a nickname for a policeman. It came from the name of the man who first introduced police officers (first in Ireland in 1817, and then in England in 1822) – Sir Robert Peel.

Penny dreadful: exciting tales of famous criminals, detectives or supernatural mysteries, these magazines were published weekly and cost one penny (which gave them their name). They are not considered proper, but if you’re sneaky, you can hide one rolled up in your pocket for when your parents aren’t looking.

Perpetual motion machine: a machine which will run for ever, without the need for an external source of energy.

Working Lads’ Mission: a charitable organization who would take in boys and young men, educate them and help them find jobs, instead of leaving them to live on the streets. It was Tolly’s saving grace!

Zeppelin: a type of airship. It has an oval-shaped “balloon”, beneath which is a rigid metal framework filled with bags of gas to keep the ship afloat. The passenger and crew area – or gondola – is usually situated under the main balloon, and can be quite roomy. (Unless you’re hitching a ride in the Ladybird, in which case it’s a little bit cosy.)