Wondrous Words Wednesday-May 6

Bermudaonion asks you to share new words that you have learned during your reading adventures in the last week. Feel free to join in the fun!

I have found quite a few new words while reading The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. Here are just a few:

Portcullis: (pôrt-kŭl'ĭs) A grating of iron or wooden bars or slats, suspended in the gateway of a fortified place and lowered to block passage.

Here is how portcullis was used on page 31:
"Indeed," he remarked, and he steered me to a bench under the portcullis's shadow.

Effigy: a representation or image, esp. sculptured, as on a monument.

Here is how effigy was used on page 38:
In their royal pew, my parents sat stiff as effigies.

Odalisque: (ohd-l-isk) a female slave or concubine in a harem, esp. in that of the sultan of Turkey.

Here is how odalisque was used on page 48:
"I can smell the perfume water from here. You'll smell like a heretic odalisque."

Hippocras: (hip-uh-kras) an old medicinal cordial made of wine mixed with spices.

Here is how hippocras was used on page 53:
Servitors entered, carrying baked boars' heads stuffed with caramelized pears; winter peacocks sauteed in hippocras; glazed honeyed herons; haunches of cinnamon-roasted venison; and myriad unrecognizable dishes smothered in creamy sauces.

Susurration: (soo-suh-rey-shuhn) a soft murmur; whisper.

Here is how susurration was used on page 60:
I was overwhelmed with longing for the chamber I'd shared with my sisters, for the susurration of their voices in the dark and quiet snores of our ladies on their pallet.

So what new words have you learned in your reading adventures this week?