abaka: “Manila hemp,” the fiber of a plant of the banana family.
achara: Pickles made from the tender shoots of bamboo, green papayas, etc.
alcalde: Governor of a province or district with both executive and judicial authority.
alferez: Junior officer of the Civil Guard, ranking next below a lieutenant.
alibambang: A leguminous plant whose acid leaves are used in cooking.
alpay: A variety of nephelium, similar but inferior to the Chinese lichi.
among: Term used by the natives in addressing a priest, especially a friar: from the Spanish amo, master.
amores-secos: “Barren loves,” a low-growing weed whose small, angular pods adhere to clothing.
andas: A platform with handles, on which an image is borne in a procession.
asuang: A malignant devil reputed to feed upon human flesh, being especially fond of new-born babes.