The Dictionary of Lost Words

Esme begins recording colloquial words that haven’t been included in the Dictionary, adding them to her trunk for safekeeping. She writes down her own definition of “Knackered”—originally meaning a horse that has been slaughtered, but in slang meaning extremely tired. This is the first time she has ever written a word slip herself. Esme discovers that not all colloquialisms are excluded from the Dictionary, however: When she verifies Dr. Murray’s swear word “Glaikit,” a Scottish term meaning stupid, she discovers it’s already included in the Dictionary.

Esme asks Lizzie to take her to the marketplace where she can discover more unwritten words. Despite misgivings, Lizzie agrees. A vendor named Mabel teaches Esme new sexual and derogatory words that Lizzie finds inappropriate.

Later, Esme speaks to her father about which words are included in the Dictionary and which are not. They disagree about the relative value of written and spoken words. Harry argues that words like “Jog-trotty,” or easygoing and monotonous, belongs because it was written down by Charles Dickens. Esme begins making adjustments to incorrect definitions sent to the Scriptorium, and the editors gradually accept her skills. Every time one of her edits is accepted, she carves a victory notch into her desk.