Elizabethan Age and Modern Slavery Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary list covering historical terms from the Elizabethan Age, modern slavery concepts from Zadie Smith's literature, and language related to empathy and exploration.

Chastity

The state or practice of refraining from sexual intercourse.

Sieve

A tool used for separating solids from liquids or for sifting through materials.

Ruff

A stiff, decorative collar worn around the neck in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Ermine

A small weasel-like animal whose white winter fur is traditionally used to trim royal robes.

Modern slavery

The condition of being held in forced labor or bondage in contemporary society.

To be at somebody's beck and call

Always being ready to obey someone's orders immediately.

Human trafficking

The illegal trade of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.

To be vulnerable

Being in a state where one is susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.

To walk in somebody else's shoes

An expression meaning to understand someone's situation by imagining oneself in their position.

To acknowledge somebody's pain and suffering

To recognize or admit that someone else is experiencing distress.

Monarch

A sovereign head of state, such as a king, queen, or emperor.

Reign

The period of time during which a sovereign rules.

Heir

A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

Successor

A person who inherits a title, office, or position after the previous holder.

Nobility

A social class of people who hold hereditary titles and privileges.

Peasant

A poor farmer of low social status who owns or rents a small piece of land for cultivation.

Turmoil

A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

Commodity

A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.

To embark on a voyage

To begin a long journey, especially one involving travel by sea.

To circumnavigate

To sail or travel all the way around something, particularly the world.

To enforce religious laws

To compel observance of or obedience to rules concerning faith.

To suppress opposition

To forcibly put an end to resistance or dissent.

To issue a decree

To provide an official order issued by a legal authority.

Plight

A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.

To disregard

To pay no attention to; to ignore.