Swift_Modest Proposal Vocab

Chair

A Sedan Chair - a covered chair supported by poles, carried by two bearers.

Episcopal

To do with (here appointed by) a bishop - the adjective refers to church administration at the time Swift wrote.

Gibbet

Place where criminals are hanged.

Mandarin

Important official serving a ruler (originally Chinese), or any high official today.

Papists

Supporters of the Pope, an insulting name for Catholics.

Pretender

James Stuart, a Catholic who pretended to (claimed) the English and Scottish thrones. He is sometimes known as the Old Pretender, while his son, Charles Edward Stuart, is known as the Young Pretender (or Bonnie Prince Charlie).

Shambles

A place (usually in a town) where animals are slaughtered and butchered.

Importune

To press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.

Raiment

Clothing; apparel; attire.

Repine

To be fretfully disconnected; fret; complain.

Vintner

A person who makes or sells wine.

Expedient

Tending to promote some proposed or desired object; fit or suitable for the purpose; proper under the circumstances.

Parsimony

Extreme or excessive economy or frugality; stinginess.

Overture

An opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement; a formal or informal proposal or offer.