Glossary

Adobe

Sun dried brick.

Alcalde

Mayor.

Campesino

Farm worker, field hand.

Centro

(1) City center. (2) Town square.

Chock Full

Completely filled.

Cimarrón

(1) Wild, untamed. (2) Runaway. (3) Escaped slave.

Citadel

A fortress in or near a fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense.

Coracle

A boat made by covering a wicker frame with leather or oilcloth. It was used by the ancient Britons, and is still used by fisherman in Wales and some parts of Ireland. Also, a similar boat used in Tibet and in Egypt.

Fandango

(1) A lively dance, in 3/4 or 6/8 time, much practiced in Spain, the West Indies, and Spanish America. Also, the tune to which it is danced. (2) A ball or general dance, as in Mexico. [Colloq.]

Gallina

Chicken.

Guía

(1) Guide. (2) Official document authorizing the transportation of products for sale.

Hoodlum

A young rowdy; a rough, lawless fellow.

Jackass

(1) Male ass, donkey. (2) Dullard, stupid fellow, blockhead, numbskull, ignoramus, dunce.

Kasbah

(1) The older, native Arab quarter of a North African city, especially Algiers. (2) Citadel.

Lingua Franca

A language used for transacting business.

Manumission

The act of granting freedom to a slave.

Parochial

Narrow-minded, provincial.

Rabbits' Ears

Las orejas de conejos.

Ratón

Mouse.

Sagacious

Quick, discerning, and judicious; knowing; shrewd; sage; wise.

Sangre de Cristo

Blood of Christ.

Santa Fe

Holy Faith.

Skive

To pare or shave off the rough or thick parts of (hides or leather).

Tack

The gear used in equipping a horse, such as saddle and bridle.

Vegas

Meadows.