100 words to know before reading Short Fiction by Anton Chekhov

1. Spoke quietly or indistinctly, often in a grumbling or complaining tone.
2. Expressed something in a low or suppressed voice.

weeping wife told him that Groholsky was right, that it was a serious matter. “Well!” he muttered. “If you. … In these days. … You are always. …” “As God is above,” Groholsky shrilled in

1. The plural of "rouble," the currency unit of Russia and some other countries.
2. Informal term for problems or difficulties.

orchard in which its inmates walk. … Groholsky pays a high rent for that villa, a thousand roubles a year, I believe. … The villa is not worth that rent, but it is pretty. … Tall, with

1. A roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor.
2. An open-air gallery or porch, often partly enclosed.

a chill. Liza had continually to interrupt her inquisitive observations and run from the verandah to his room. At dinnertime she had to put on mustard plasters. How boring all this would have

1. Looked steadily and intently, often with admiration or curiosity.
2. Stared fixedly for a long time, sometimes absentmindedly.

fast, had purposely bought Liza a poor horse. “What wealth!” Liza thought and murmured as she gazed at the noisy carriers. The sun hid behind the tumuli, the air began to lose its dryness and

1. A light, open carriage with two wheels and a folding top, drawn by one horse.
2. A long reclining chair or daybed for relaxation.

into the darkness of the villa apartments. Two smart footmen ran up to the horse in the chaise, and most respectfully led it to the gate. Soon the villa opposite was lighted up, and the

1. A shrub or small tree with fragrant purple or white flowers.
2. A pale purple color resembling the flowers of the lilac plant.

no saying. “Like a thief in the night,” said Father Kuzma, a grey-headed little priest in a lilac cassock. “And when he does come the place will be crowded with the nobility and other high

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

She came from the people, she was of the working class. … She took that little clerk to her heart from pity. … Well … and so I came into the world. … The son of the ill-treated

1. A warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and stitched in patterns.
2. To stitch together layers of fabric with padding in between.

with an immense feather bed on it. On the rumpled feather bed lay a creased and crumpled quilt. A pillow, in a cotton pillow case—also much creased, was on the floor. On a little table beside

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

to him that you are ill and gone to the Caucasus for a cure. If you meet him … You see yourself. … It’s awkward … H’m. …” “Very well,” said Liza. “We can do that,” thought Groholsky,

1. Feeling or showing great pleasure or happiness.
2. Highly pleased or gratified.

woke up. “What’s the matter? You don’t look like yourself!” “It’s because I am so delighted, Mamma! Do you know, now all Russia knows of me! All Russia! Till now only you knew that there

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

“Don’t you know your duty? No! … you must be taught, you’ve not been taught so far! Your mamma was a gadabout, and you … you can blubber. Yes! blubber away. …” Bugrov went up to his wife

1. A vehicle on runners for traveling over snow or ice, typically pulled by animals or a motor.
2. A heavy hammer used in blacksmithing or demolition work.

the steamed sturgeon is served, Marfutkin remembers that he has left his cigar case in his sledge and goes to the stable. That he may not be lonely on this expedition, he takes with him the

1. A poor farmer or agricultural laborer of low social status.
2. A person regarded as unsophisticated or uneducated.

“… intoxicated condition, slipped and fell under a horse belonging to a sledge-driver, a peasant of the village of Durikino in the Yuhnovsky district, called Ivan Drotov. The frightened horse,

1. A monetary unit of Russia and some other countries, equal to 1/100 of a ruble.
2. A small or insignificant amount of money.

and had been ready to punch a man in the face and turn the house upside down over twenty kopecks, was dressed devilishly well. He had on a broad-brimmed straw hat, exquisite brilliant boots, a

1. Past tense of "fling" – threw or tossed something forcefully.
2. Moved or pushed suddenly and violently.

creature, you shudder! Fil-thy woman!” Bugrov seized her by the elbow, shook her, and flung her like an India-rubber ball towards the window. … “Wretched, vulgar woman! you have no

1. A person employed to carry luggage and other loads.
2. A dark brown beer brewed from malt.

“I’ve inquired, but he wouldn’t speak to me.” “You give him three roubles,” whispered the porter. “I’ve given him two already.” “Give him another.” Voldyrev went back to the table and laid a

1. The basic monetary unit of Russia, equal to 100 kopecks.
2. A former monetary unit of the Soviet Union and some other countries.

Returning a minute later to his table he became absorbed in the book again: another rouble note was lying upon it. “I will trouble you for one minute only. … I have only to make an

1. A title of respect for a woman, equivalent to "Mrs." or "Madam."
2. Used to address or refer to a woman in a formal or polite manner.

captain went behind the scenes, praised them for all their fine acting, and complimented Madame Beobahtov. “Your lovely face demands a canvas, and I only wish I could wield the brush!” And with

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

wonderful weather!” he said. “What air! Do you feel it? I am very happy, Liza, very happy indeed. My happiness is so great that I am really afraid of its destruction. The greatest things are

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

and bear it! While I … will drive over … visit you.” And bending down to Liza, Bugrov whispered, loudly enough, however, to be heard several yards away: “I will come to you at night,

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

top hat was having his supper, and judging by the duration of the clatter of crockery, his supper lasted long. Liza fancied she could smell chicken soup and roast duck. After supper discordant

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

The woman is a perfect fright, like all the beasts put together, and he talks about kissing! Queer fish!” “Who’s a queer fish?” asked Tarantulov, coming up. “Why he, over there—Vankin! I went

1. A bucket, typically made of metal or plastic, used for carrying liquids or solids.
2. The quantity held by a pail.

of all is the fish section. Some dozen peasants are sitting in a row. Before each of them is a pail, and in each pail there is a veritable little hell. There, in the thick, greenish water are

1. A clergy member in Christian churches ranking below a priest.
2. A layperson assisting in church services and charitable work.

looked round in a scared way and twiddled his fingers. “Come, come,” he muttered. “Hush, deacon, I beg.” After the “concert” they sang “May our lips be filled with praise,” and the choir

1. A group of singers, often performing together in religious or musical settings.
2. The part of a church where the choir sits during services.

set the children writing copies while he joined the tenors as an amateur. This is how the choir practice was conducted. Alexey Alexeitch would come into the schoolroom, slamming the door and

1. Employees who perform administrative or office tasks.
2. Officials who maintain records in a court or government office.

I suppose?” we asked him. “No, an actor. Nowadays it is difficult to distinguish actors from clerks of the Consistory. No doubt you have noticed that. … That’s typical, but it’s not very

1. At the present time; in these modern times.
2. Currently; in contrast to the past.

And if I am lying let the court decide. It’s written in the law. … We are all equal nowadays. My own brother is in the gendarmes … let me tell you. …” “Don’t argue!” “No, that’s not the

1. A box or container in which a deceased person is buried or cremated.
2. (Verb) To place or enclose something in a coffin.

bedclothes over his head, and shut his eyes very tight. The corpse that turned round in its coffin came back to his mind, and the figures of his deceased mother-in-law, of a colleague who had

1. Waterproof overshoes worn to protect shoes in wet weather.
2. Heavy-duty rubber or plastic footwear covering regular shoes.

a moment believing what she said. A little bald-headed masculine figure in a brown coat and goloshes instead of boots darted like a mouse across the passage and disappeared. “Yegor Semyonitch, I

1. A small house or cabin, often in a rural or natural setting.
2. A local branch of a society or organization.

necessary witnesses, found the position as follows. Masses of people were crowding about the lodge in which Klyauzov lived. The news of the event had flown round the neighbourhood with the

1. A civil officer who administers the law, especially at a local level.
2. A judicial officer with limited authority to hear and decide certain cases.

suggest Nana … fascinating …” “I have seen her … I know …” said the examining magistrate, blowing his nose in a red handkerchief. Dyukovsky blushed and dropped his eyes. The police

1. Shaking involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or weakness.
2. A quivering or vibrating movement.

Liza, who had grasped nothing of what was happening, darted through the half-opened door trembling all over and afraid that he would come to her window and fling her away from it. She went into

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

the superintendent’s wife, turning paler than ever and trembling. Dyukovsky took the candle-end in his hand and climbed up to the upper shelf. There he saw a long, human body, lying

1. A local self-government institution in rural Russia, established in 1864.
2. An elected council responsible for regional administration and public services.

the service. There you will see Hrumov the present marshal, Marfutkin, the president of the Zemstvo, Potrashkov, the permanent member of the Rural Board, the two justices of the peace of the

1. A deep red color inclining toward purple.
2. To blush or turn red in the face.

off his undergarments and remained in the costume of Adam. Otsov held his sides, he turned crimson both from laughter and embarrassment. The Englishwoman twitched her brows and blinked. … A

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

in a portmanteau, Liza was sitting at the table trying on bracelets. They were both frightened when Bugrov went in to them. They fancied that he had come for Liza and had brought back the

1. A handgun with a revolving cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. A person or thing that revolves or turns.

saving your presence, but his underclothes. And when he has had a drop he will pick up a revolver and set to putting bullets into the wall. By day he is swilling liquor and at night he plays

1. Magnificent or impressive in appearance.
2. Excellent or very good.

came to the service. They are a simple, rough set, but what hearts! I gave them a splendid lunch, but of course, as in previous years, without a drop of alcoholic liquor. Ever since he

1. Poor, rural agricultural workers or small-scale farmers.
2. Historically, low-status laborers tied to feudal systems.

he sneezed as you perceive. It is not reprehensible for anyone to sneeze anywhere. Peasants sneeze and so do police superintendents, and sometimes even privy councillors. All men sneeze.

1. A person with a noticeable curvature of the spine, causing a hunched posture.
2. A fictional character, often depicted with a deformed back, like Quasimodo in *The Hunchback of Notre-Dame*.

than an hour already in the water. “But why do you keep poking with your hand?” cries the hunchback Lubim, shivering as though in a fever. “You blockhead! Hold him, hold him, or else he’ll get

1. A person who tends and guards sheep.
2. To guide or direct someone carefully.

gets a mouthful of water, and the air rings with his hard spasmodic coughing. “Where’s the shepherd?” comes a shout from the bank. “Yefim! Shepherd! Where are you? The cattle are in the garden!

1. Informal term for young men or boys.
2. A group of male friends or companions.

voice. “Stick your finger in! Are you deaf, fellow, or what? Tfoo!” “What are you after, lads?” shouts Yefim. “An eelpout! We can’t get him out! He’s hidden under the roots. Get round to the

1. A feminine given name of Latin origin meaning "truth."
2. A type of aloe plant (Aloe vera) known for its medicinal properties.

him a leg up, and Kozyavkin climbs in at the window and vanishes into the darkness within. “Vera!” Laev hears a minute later, “where are you? … D—damnation! Tphoo! I’ve put my hand into

1. Garments covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with separate sections for each leg.
2. Also known as pants in some regions.

young men in stylish greatcoats, and bird-fanciers in incredibly shabby caps, in ragged trousers that are turned up at the ankles, and look as though they had been gnawed by mice, crowd round

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

tenderly at the huntsman’s moving shoulders. “I have not seen you since you came into our hut at Easter for a drink of water … you came in at Easter for a minute and then God knows how …

1. The arched patches of hair above the eyes.
2. Facial features that help protect the eyes from sweat and debris.

be worth living. …” “H’m. Very good,” says Otchumyelov sternly, coughing and raising his eyebrows. “Very good. Whose dog is it? I won’t let this pass! I’ll teach them to let their dogs run all

1. A fine spray or light fog in the air.
2. A thin layer of liquid on a surface.

A Dead Body A still August night. A mist is rising slowly from the fields and casting an opaque veil over everything within eyesight.

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

not taking her eyes off her sewing. “Sober and steady.” “I declare I won’t marry him, mistress!” Pelageya cried suddenly, flushing crimson. “I declare I won’t!” “Don’t be silly; you are not a

1. A person who teaches or instructs, often individually or in small groups.
2. A private teacher who provides extra help outside of regular classes.

Champoun had become something like a bonne of the male sex. The duties of the former tutor were not complicated. He had to be properly dressed, to smell of scent, to listen to Kamyshev’s

1. Affected by alcohol to the point of impaired control.
2. Relating to or caused by excessive drinking.

A tall thin man, with a shaven upper lip and side whiskers, who looks like a sick and drunken footman, is selling a snow-white lapdog. The old lapdog whines. “She told me to sell the nasty

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

whispered above his ear. “I have brought it—take it. … Here in this roll there are forty thousand. … With this cheque will you kindly get twenty the day after tomorrow from

1. A place where alcoholic drinks are served and consumed, often with food.
2. A small inn or lodging house, especially in historical contexts.

lighting men. He remembered how, four days before the wedding, he was sitting in the London Tavern with the whole company, and all were talking about Masha. The company were advising him to

1. A female given name, often a diminutive of Eleanor or Helen.
2. Slang for a nervous or timid person (chiefly British).

The Looking-Glass New Year’s Eve. Nellie, the daughter of a landowner and general, a young and pretty girl, dreaming day and night of

1. Speed or urgency in movement or action.
2. Excessive quickness that may lead to mistakes.

They fancied that he had come for Liza and had brought back the money which he had taken in haste without reflection. But Bugrov had not come for Liza. Ashamed of his new getup and feeling

1. In a manner showing anger or irritation.
2. With strong displeasure or hostility.

his head and begins blowing up bubbles. “I told you it was deep,” he says, rolling his eyes angrily. “Am I to sit on your neck or what?” “Stand on a root … there are a lot of roots like a

1. An insect with hard forewings forming a protective case (e.g., ladybug, stag beetle).
2. To move quickly or scurry away.

it,” says Alyosha, in his deep bass, “perhaps it’s got children. …” Sonya follows the black beetle with her eyes and wonders about its children: what tiny little beetles they must be!

1. Young or youthful (French origin).
2. A surname of French origin.

lifeless scene was beginning to be veiled in the dusk of evening. “I must go home!” the jeune premier heard. “Where is home?” “To Vyazma … to my home. …” “It is a thousand miles to

1. A person who owns or manages a shop.
2. Someone responsible for selling goods in a retail store.

his thick eyebrows angrily. “Who is it he is winking at? God bless him!” thought the shopkeeper. “And he is beckoning with his finger! And he stamped his foot! What next! What’s the matter,

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

room in deshabille, talking to himself, apparently much agitated. Mishutka was sitting on the sofa there in the drawing room, and was making the air vibrate with a piercing scream. “It’s awful,

1. A scientist specializing in chemistry.
2. A person who prepares and sells medicines; a pharmacist.

“And so it is! Ah, I remember. … I came here last week to buy some castor-oil. There’s a chemist here with a sour face and the jawbone of an ass! Such a jawbone, my dear fellow! It must have

1. A small group of trees or a thicket.
2. A small area of woodland, often managed for periodic cutting.

murmured the young wife. “It all seems like a dream. See, how sweet and inviting that little copse looks! How nice those solid, silent telegraph posts are! They add a special note to the

1. A feeling of great pleasure or joy.
2. Something that gives great pleasure.

on his knees waving his little hands. … He was waving his little hands and shouting with delight. Liza suddenly uttered a shriek, rose from her seat and lurched forward. “What is the matter?”

1. A female domestic servant who cleans and maintains a household.
2. A young unmarried woman (archaic or poetic).

of a half-deaf old woman or little girl pestering one with questions. I sent an answer by the maid asking Sasha to select some park or boulevard for a rendezvous. My suggestion was readily

1. A boat or ship for transporting passengers and vehicles across water.
2. To transport people or goods by boat across a short stretch of water.

I should have gone, but to tell you the truth, I haven’t the five kopecks for the ferry.” “I’ll give you the five kopecks.” “No; I humbly thank you. … With that five kopecks put up a

1. A building or complex where monks live and worship.
2. A secluded residence for religious communities.

The Bird Market There is a small square near the monastery of the Holy Birth which is called Trubnoy, or simply Truboy; there is a market there on Sundays.

1. A genus of tropical orchids known for their colorful and fragrant flowers.
2. A popular ornamental plant often grown in gardens or as a houseplant.

A Gentleman Friend The charming Vanda, or, as she was described in her passport, the “Honourable Citizen Nastasya Kanavkin,” found

1. A separate section or part of an enclosed space (e.g., a train compartment).
2. A division within a structure used for storage or organization.

his hand in despair, sighs, and walks out of the carriage. He goes to the attendants’ compartment, sits down at the table, exhausted, and complains: “Oh, the public! There’s no satisfying them!

1. A sheltered place, often in a garden, covered by trees or climbing plants.
2. A small, shady retreat or bower formed by trees or shrubs.

am not going to the rendezvous! What … a fool! Go forward boldly! And what if I go into the arbour? Well, well … there is no reason I should.” Pavel Ivanitch’s heart beat still more

1. A person one knows slightly but not as a close friend.
2. Knowledge or experience of something.

saw. All that is known is that Murkin was confined to his bed for a fortnight after his acquaintance with Blistanov, and that to the words “I am a man in delicate health, rheumatic” he took to

1. A type of Russian flatbread or pancake.
2. A traditional Eastern European sweet bread, often with raisins or nuts.

the gray twilight and were reflected darkly in the smooth surface of the river. I waked Pashka for fear he should fall out and began cautiously going down. “Have we got to Lukovo?” asked

1. A high-ranking title in the Ottoman Empire, given to governors, generals, and dignitaries.
2. An honorary title in some Muslim countries.

at last, raising to Pasha her big eyes with their red tear-stained lids. “Husband?” whispered Pasha, and was suddenly so frightened that her hands and feet turned cold. “What husband?” she

1. Dark or poorly lit; dim.
2. Feeling sad or depressed.

Art A gloomy winter morning. On the smooth and glittering surface of the river Bystryanka, sprinkled here and

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

But Liza watched and laughed! What did she care? It was not a case of men misbehaving themselves, which would have put her, as a woman, to shame, but of ladies. In the evening, Ivan Petrovitch

1. The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures.
2. A period of maturity or decline, often metaphorically.

Oysters I need no great effort of memory to recall, in every detail, the rainy autumn evening when I stood with my father in one of the more frequented streets of Moscow, and felt

1. A metal urn used to heat and boil water for tea, traditionally in Russia and surrounding regions.
2. Often has a spigot and an internal pipe to hold burning coals or charcoal for heating.

eat your lunch!” “To my thinking, your honour,” said Yefrem, the gardener, as he set the samovar on the table, “this vile deed was the work of no other than Nikolashka.” “Quite possible,” said

1. Located on a lower floor of a building.
2. Toward or on a lower floor.

I want to represent the spirit, you understand? The spirit!” And the widow downstairs shouted continually: “Katya, give me the cucumbers! Go to Sidorov’s and get some kvass, you

1. A member of a Turkic people from Central Asia and parts of Russia.
2. A language spoken by the Tatar people.

and seven, she flung on her clothes, hurriedly did her hair, and without even putting on her Tatar slippers with pointed toes, ran impulsively on to the verandah. Shading her eyes from the sun

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

you’ve heard bushels of scandal about me already. …” “I only arrived here so lately …” “Tut, tut, tut! … I see from your eyes! But your brother’s wife, surely she primed you for this

1. A person who travels on foot from place to place, often without a home or job.
2. To walk heavily or noisily.

no one with softness and refinement, they are just like peasants. They all speak loudly, and tramp heavily when they walk; they are noisy, they clear their throats, but Nikolay always talked

1. Requests or expressions made to a deity or higher power.
2. Religious rituals or words spoken in worship.

You rejoice your father with your affection, and you remember your mother in your prayers, and so it is fitting to do. Meet me at Feodosia. What sort of town is Feodosia—what is it like?

1. Young domestic cats, typically under one year old.
2. Term of endearment for something small, cute, or playful.

children do not notice either mamma’s threats or the presence of a stranger. They put the kittens down on the carpet, and go off into deafening squeals. The mother walks round them, mewing

1. A young domestic cat.
2. A term of endearment for a cute or playful person.

Just before dinner, Vanya is sitting in his father’s study, gazing dreamily at the table. A kitten is moving about by the lamp, on stamped note paper. Vanya is watching its movements, and

1. Skilled laborers or craftsmen employed in manual or industrial work.
2. Men engaged in physical labor, often in construction or manufacturing.

gnawed by mice, crowd round the birds, splashing through the mud. The young people and the workmen are sold hens for cocks, young birds for old ones. … They know very little about birds. But

1. A vast, treeless plain, especially in southeastern Europe or Siberia.
2. A dry, grassy ecosystem found in semi-arid regions.

she shrugged her shoulders. “You are going to the mines. But you know, it’s the bare steppe, a desert, so dreary that you couldn’t exist a day there! It’s horrible coal, no one will buy it,

1. A waxy, flammable substance derived from petroleum, used in candles and wax products.
2. British term for kerosene, a fuel oil used for heating and lighting.

I … I have just drunk paraffin, Dashenka!” “What next! You don’t say they gave you paraffin there?” “I must own I wanted to get a drink of vodka without asking you, and … and the Lord

1. A member of a people of southern Russia, known for horsemanship and military skills.
2. Historically, a Cossack was a free warrior or frontiersman in Eastern Europe.

and sniffing last year’s dry grass. On a hillock beside the roadside a red-haired Cossack was sitting doubled up, looking at his feet. “Christ is risen!” Maxim shouted to him. “Wo-o-o!”

1. Deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
2. A gesture or act showing respect, such as a bow.

of her brother, whom she loved. She loved him himself and his programme, she was full of reverence for his articles; and when she was asked what her brother was doing, she would answer in a

1. Dried grass used as animal fodder.
2. A small amount, especially of money (informal).

Along one side of the square there stands a string of wagons. The wagons are loaded, not with hay, not with cabbages, nor with beans, but with goldfinches, siskins, larks, blackbirds and

1. Shedding tears as an expression of emotion (e.g., sadness or joy).
2. The act of crying or lamenting.

blinking. His fingers, his lips, and his eyelids twitched. Poor fellow! The eyes of his weeping wife told him that Groholsky was right, that it was a serious matter. “Well!” he muttered. “If

1. A familiar term for one's grandmother.
2. An elderly woman, often used affectionately.

would shout, stamp with his feet, and begin fighting, and after drinking he fights horribly. Granny would stand up for Vassya, and his father would strike granny too; it would end in Yegoritch

1. A quick look or glance (informal).
2. A foolish or simple person (archaic).

came up behind and gave her a painful peck in the back. Kashtanka leapt up and dashed at the gander. “What’s this?” They heard a loud angry voice, and the stranger came into the room in his

1. Dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing.
2. Causing sadness or gloom.

factory, with windows boarded up. A belated jackdaw was flying round the chimney. This dreary, lifeless scene was beginning to be veiled in the dusk of evening. “I must go home!” the jeune

1. A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form.
2. A popular messaging app known for its speed and security features.

on it catches his eye, he goes to the window and expresses a desire to send off a telegram. Taking up a pen, he thinks for a moment, and writes on a blue form: “Urgent. Traffic Manager.

1. A type of assault rifle, notably the AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.
2. Referring to firearms produced by the Kalashnikov Concern, a Russian arms manufacturer.

it almost touched the floor. She, too, smiled. “A splendid, wonderful picture,” said Kalashnikov. “Wonderful,” he repeated, and motioned with his hand as though he wanted to take the reins

1. A violin, especially when used in folk music.
2. To play with something in a restless or nervous way.

always said: “I must confess I don’t like trumpery jobs.” Apart from his trade, playing the fiddle brought him in a small income. The Jews’ orchestra conducted by Moisey Ilyitch Shahkes, the

1. Plural of goose, a waterfowl bird.
2. A group of geese.

a wonder,” he said, “what has become of them all! I remember twenty years ago there used to be geese here, and cranes and ducks and grouse—clouds and clouds of them! The gentry used to meet

1. A lightweight umbrella used for shade from the sun.
2. A decorative or functional canopy, often used outdoors.

her already standing in the hall with her mother, dressed to go out and playing with her parasol. “Oh, we are going to the Arcade,” she would say. “We have got to buy some more cashmere and

1. A small, crisp, edible root vegetable with a peppery taste.
2. Typically red or white in color, often eaten raw in salads.

and then began laughing. “And at that moment, as luck would have it, we were eating grated radish with kvass and frying fish, and there was a stink enough in the flat to make the devil sick. I

1. A small monetary unit of Croatia, equal to 1/100 of a kuna.
2. A type of tree in the genus Tilia, commonly known as linden or lime tree.

a visit of inspection was arranged at the aunt’s, with lunch and wine all in due order, and Lipa wore a new pink dress made on purpose for this occasion, and a crimson ribbon like a flame

1. A support used under the arm to aid walking, typically used by injured or disabled individuals.
2. Something relied on for support, often excessively or as a dependency.

songs all in chorus—and there was an awful, wild medley of sounds which made one giddy. Crutch turned round in his chair and prodded his neighbours with his elbows, prevented people from