The noun "embrasures" refers to openings with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification, usually for allowing the firing of cannon.
Another term with particular meaning in philosophy, "subjective" relates to the way a person experiences things within his or her mind and is based on feelings or opinions rather than facts.
""Tout bonnement! And pray what did you say?"
..."See in text(Part I)
The French expression tout bonnement translates as "all simply or everything simply." Mrs. Costello is dismissing Winterbourne's explanation that his encounter with Daisy Miller was limited to a casual meeting and simple conversation.
"dishabituated to the American tone..."See in text(Part I)
The noun "dishabituation" means that something is restored to its full capacity after having previously been weakened by habitual use. In other words, Winterbourne's familiarity with American behavior had been restored after living abroad for so long.
Since the noun "society" can have abstract meaning, here it is used as a reference to formal social gatherings, especially among the elite and wealthy members of society.
The noun "coquette" refers to someone who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of others and is synonymous with the "a flirt." Coquette has been traditionally used to refer to women who flirt with men.
A cravat is a short, wide strip of fabric worn around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt. Similar to a tie, it is a type of more formal attire for men's clothing.
One of the definitions of the adjective "sanitary" pertains to health. In this context, Winterbourne is viewing the situation in terms of danger to Daisy's physical health.
When used metaphorically, the verb "to cut someone" means to deliver a social slight by turning away from someone without acknowledgment, as Winterbourne does to Daisy here.
A word derived from the rhetorical style of the Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE), a "cicerone" is a guide who accompanies sightseers and explains provides information about antiquities and places of historic or artistic interest.
"qui se passe ses fantaisies..."See in text(Part II)
qui se passe ses fantaisies [French] literally, "which is happening his fantasies." In context, having a relationship with someone like Daisy is Giovanelli's fantasy.
The "Golden Age" comes from Greek mythology and legend, the first of several Ages of Man. The Golden Age refers to the beginning of the ancient world, a time of peace, stability, harmony, and prosperity.
The adjective "incongruous" describes something as not in harmony or in keeping with the surroundings or with other aspects of something; out of place.
The adverb "pregnantly" means that something is done in a way that is saturated with meaning. Mrs. Walker is voicing strong disapproval of Daisy's drawing attention to herself in a manner Mrs. Walker thinks is scandalous.
The noun "edification" refers to the act or process of "edifying," or being instructed or improved, morally or intellectually. In this context, Mrs. Walker is speaking sarcastically.
The verb "to dissuade" is similar to "persuade" but rather than trying to convince someone to do something, to "dissuade" means to convince someone not to take a particular course of action.
Italian: loving; affectionate; charming. Here, it is used in context to refer to Giovanelli as a charming suitor, the object of Daisy's interest and affection.
A "compatriot" is person from one's own country and can also be used more generally to refer to a friend or colleague who is a member of one's group or organization.
The adjective "cynical" describes someone as distrustful of human nature and people's motives. A cynical person assumes that people are selfish and dishonest.
