Some words in Mercy and the Patriots may be unusual if you are not used to reading historical fiction or know French, so I have created a dictionary of terms to refer to. There are words below that you may know, such as "gown", but has a more complicated meaning in 18th centuary speak than current day. If you still have a question, just comment of PM me, and I will clear anything historical up for you.
Betrothed: The person to whom one is engaged, or fiance.
Breeches: Men's lower body garment that extends to the knee.
Brunswick: Jacket worn with petticoat for traveling.
Camp-de-aide: A secretary or assistant to someone of higher rank in a military camp.
Cravat: White neckcloth worn by men.
Coat: Worn over waistcoat, usually going down to the knee.
Common Sense: Written in 1776, Thomas Paine's book sold faster than anything else in America since then.
Corset: See stays
Gown: A women's dress consisting of a bodice and skirt, open in the front to show the petticoats beneath.
Frock: A women's dress
Mon ami, Mon amie: My friend (see mon cher ami)
Mon cher ami: My dear friend
Muff: Tube-like accessories used to keep hands warm.
Negro: Term for an African-America
Petticoat: An essential part of a women's dress. A skirt-like garment used to fill the gap caused by open-fronted gowns.
Salty: Tough and aggressive
Saucy: Cheeky and bold
Shift: Undergarment for both women and children.
Shirt: A men's shirt was worn as an undergarment, covering the body to the knee. Also worn as a nightshirt.
Smock: A women's dress
Stays: An 18th century corset used to correct posture and support a women's breasts.
Tory: A colonist loyal to the king, or Loyalist.
Waistcoat: An essential part of a man's dress. Worn to the upper part of the thigh, where it would open into a "V". Worn beneath a coat.
YOU ARE READING
Mercy for the Patriots
Historical Fiction*ON HOLD Mercy Painter wants nothing more than to have the freedom she has long been denied by both her parents and society-- to speak her mind and have the same opportunities as men. So when General George Washington winters at her aunt's house, M...
