myrrh: aromatic resin used in perfume and incense
It was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by
crucifixion "wine mingled
with myrrh" to produce insensibility. This drugged
wine was probably partaken of by the two malefactors, but when the Roman
soldiers
pressed it upon Jesus "he received it not" (Mark 15:23).
swarthy: of dark complexion
nard: an arromatic herb
Rose of sharon: an Asian shrub with bell-shaped red, purple, and white flowers
adjure: to command solemnly as if under oath
gazelle: a small swift species of antelope celebrated for its slender neck, long
horns and expressionate eyes
lattice: a criss-cross patterned framework
frankincense: A fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, burned as an incense in
religious rites or for medicinal fumigationThe frankincense of the ancient Jews is still unidentified.
palanquin: a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers
shorn: having the hair or wool clipped off as if shears
bucklers: a small round shield used for defense
alabaster: a dense translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum
bereaved: suffering the lossof a loved one
mandrakes: A southern European plant having greenish-yellow flowers and a branched
root and was once believed to have magical powers because its root resembles the human body.
vehement: full of vigor, energy, intensity of emotion
hoyden: a bold, boisterous girl
