Test your vocabulary...

It seems that a few old threads have been revived of late, and I think this one is worth another try, too. I've been looking for vocabulary related threads on here - or rather, a means to improve vocabulary, and this seems to fit.

So, if no-one minds, same rules as before? Someone lists a word or words, and then try to get the correct definition.

I'll restart, then. These have an historical theme.

Scramasax

Trebuchet

Chatelaine
 
Chatelaine I know - either: the woman in charge of a castle - the lords wife, or sometimes the housekeeper:
or a bundle of chains hung on a woman's belt, with things like keys, scissors, needle-cases, and other useful things attached.
 
Two down, one to go. Chatelaine is right.

Scramasax to go. I'll post the definition in a bit if no-one gets it.

Anyone want to add a couple more in the meantime?
 
The Autumn Lady
has set us all a challenge
Learn new words - it's fun!


On the same theme:

Cataphract

Mangudai

Mameluke

And what's the connection between them?:p
 
Well, Mameluke I know. Bought as slaves to Egypt, they were then formed into a sort of bodyguard unit/military class. I think.
 
Yes, that's their origins. Converted to Islam, they became a powerful cavalry arm of the Muslim Caliphrics of the Middle East.

Oh, and a Scramasax is a heavy Saxon knife.
 
It is! Nice one, Pyan!

Now all that's left is Cataphract and Mangudai. Oh, and the connection between them. Hmm...
 
Oh, I remember Mamelukes...Napoleon fought against them at the Battle of the Pyramids...

Ahem...sorry...A Level History rearing its head again!
 
According to Wikipedia (yeah, I know), a Cataphract was a heavily armed and armored cavalryman. Originally used by eastern Iranian nomads, they later were used by the Greeks and by Latin-speaking peoples. Their role in battle was very similar to that of a medieval knight, except that the cataphract had no political status. Term means "mail-clad" and comes from the Greek.

Mangudai were military units of the Mongol Empire, light cavalry that were sent out ahead to charge the enemy and then retreat in hopes that the enemy would break ranks and chase them.

As for any connections...anyone else?
 
From the definitions I've read, could they all be military units/types of soldiers? Could that be the connection?


Ok, I'll post a couple more in the meantime. These are connected, too.

Gabbro

Schist

Cinnabar
 
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Ok, I've got a couple of words, then.

How about: (and these aren't connected.)

Gnomon

Girasol

Tintinnabulation
 
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Gnomen is the wedge-shaped part that sticks up on a sundial and casts a shadow so that you can tell the time. I believe it has mathematical meanings as well.

Tintinabulation is a sound like a bell.

Girasole I don't know.
 
If I remember from catering college, it's the Italian for "Sunflower"
It was corrupted to Jerusalem in Jerusalem artichokes, which are not even remotely related to proper artichokes, but are related to sunflowers
(lecture over - sorry!)


(connected)

Quinze

Euchre

Picquet

​

 
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