P. 428, c. 1—“Reprisals,” re-priz´als (re, again, and prehendere, to lay hold of). To retaliate on an enemy by seizing property or inflicting suffering upon them in some way.
P. 428, c. 1—“Posadnik,” pos-ad´nik. Chief magistrate, along with the prince. He combined the functions of mayor and general.
P. 428, c. 1—“Bäs´käks.”
P. 428, c. 1—“Burghers,” bür´gers. Members of a borough enjoying all its privileges.
P. 428, c. 1—“Contingent.” Suitable share, proportion.
P. 428, c. 1—“Mĕt-ro-pŏl-i´tan.” The bishop of a metropolis, or mother city, upon which other cities are dependent. In England the archbishops of York and Canterbury are metropolitans. The word is more commonly used as an adjective, meaning to have the characteristics of a metropolis, or the chief city of a country.
P. 428, c. 2—“Lauras.” From the Greek for monastery. A collection of hermitages, the inhabitants of which are lodged in separate cells, but under the same superior.
P. 428, c. 2—“Ap´pan-age.” Literally, the word means to furnish with bread. That portion of land given by a sovereign for the sustenance of a younger son.
P. 428, c. 2—“Mŏs´kō-va.” The river upon which Moscow is built.
P. 428, c. 2—“Kreml,” or “kremlin.” One of the five quarters of Moscow. It is the ancient citadel, is surrounded by a wall from twenty-eight to fifty feet in height, and about one and a quarter miles in circuit, with massive towers and battlements. It is entered by five gates, and within are some of the finest public buildings and monuments of Moscow, besides churches, cathedrals, palaces and monasteries.