Gaslight Trials | The Wattys2023 Shortlister ✔️

Glossary

Hi guys! ☺️💜

Here is a glossary where I will be dropping some steampunkish definitions that are both a canon to the genre and some of my own invention. I'll update this glossary alphabetically after every chappie, and try to make this list as complete as I can! I have to say I have been learning so much about everything along the way.

But at the same time, also, I shall strive not to overdo it and not make the glossary too longi! xD

My hope is that these tidbits give you context for Veda and Langdon's world, and, who knows?

It will perhaps nudge you to perform some research on your own when it comes to steampunk. 😛

Aerocorps is a joint name for all the airships in Grand Duke's service.

Alembic is an apparatus consisting of two vessels connected by a tube, formerly used for distilling liquids. In Otto Igglesden's house, his slowdrip coffee machine uses alembics and has its own cold-fusion furnace; it creates fine coffee overnight using cold water and coffee grounds. 

Apothecary is a person who prepares and sells medicines and drugs —a steampunk version of a doctor/medic. 

Autocar is as passenger vehicle powered on by an aether/petroleum distillate mix, with the driver in an exterior cab protected by transparent aluminium.  

Autohansom is a cab, plying the streets of Lighthaven for hire.

Bandolier is an ammunition shoulder belt with loops and pockets for cartridges. 

Concertina is a small instrument with bellows like an accordion but with buttons in place of keys.

Dogsbody is someone who does menial work, a servant: a worker who has to do all the unpleasant or boring jobs that no one else wants to do.

Dynamo is a generator, especially one for producing direct current. It consists of a coil that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet, causing the current to flow in the armature.

Dynamotor is a rotating electric machine with two armatures, used to convert alternating current to direct current. Direct current can be drawn from the source of supply at one voltage and delivered for use at another voltage. The dynamotor is used for electroplating, and has various functions in laboratories which employ electric power. 

Exoboots are the special boots that Veda owns, that allow her to leap up to higher ground or cleverly dash away from the opponent, giving her the ability of swift step/ultimate rush. They can also be used for wall climbing.

Fusillade is a discharge from a number of firearms, fired simultaneously or in a rapid succession. 

Galvanic is a term relating to direct-current electricity, especially when produced chemically. Having the effect of an electric shock. 

Gaslight is a light produced by burning piped illuminating gas.

Gasworks is a factory where gas for heating and lighting is produced, and where coal is converted to coal gas and coke. 

Great Scott is an exclamation of an irritation or surprise.

Havey-cavey person is someone who is dubious, or shady. 

Harquebus is a long firearm, like a rifle. Capable of also firing a neural disrupt or beam which, while unpleasant, is not fatal. 

Hold fast! is an expression that means: bear down and fly through the storm (related to the movements of a ship/aero ship)