homely catafalque (pg. 56) -- A decorated platform or framework on which a coffin rests in state during a funeral.
Lethean stream (pg. 62) -- A river in Hades whose waters cause drinkers to forget their past.
propitiatory smile (pg. 70) --Having the power to gain or regain the favor or goodwill.
levanting together (pg. 78) -- To leave hurriedly or in secret to avoid unpaid debts.
tessellated pine boughs (pg. 100) -- Having a checkered or mottled appearance. Word traced back to 1695.
gamboge streak (pg. 177) -- A gum resin used as a yellow pigment and a purgative.
caprid origin (pg. 231) -- Pertaining to the Goat family.
auriferous earth (pg. 234) -- Containing gold.
jimp waist (pg. 316) -- Neat; trim; delicate; slender, etc.
illimitable prospect (pg. 330) -- Without limits in extent or size or quantity.
Pactolian resouces (pg. 335) -- Pertaining to the Pactolus, a river in ancient Lydia famous for its golden sands.
philippic (pg. 341) -- tirade: a speech of violent denunciation I always thought this was in the lyrics of "Monkey Man", by the detested Rolling Stones, but I guess I am wrong. Again.
saleratus in that bread (pg. 347) -- Baking soda.
mysteries of the semicuacua, a somewhat corybantic dance (pg. 350) -- Frenetic, ecstatic and orgiastic.
the Encinal (pg. 351) -- Translates as Live Oak grove. What Harte called Oakland.
a quinsy to the death (pg. 379) -- Pus-filled inflamation of the throat.
Lares and penates (pg. 390) -- The household gods of the ancient Romans.
chirographical (pg. 392) == Handwriting, penmanship.
preternaturally (pg. 408) -- Exceeding what is natural or regular.
opprobrious (pg. 411) -- Expressing contemptuous reproach; scornful or abusive.
infelix (pg. 411) -- Unhappy.
Borrioboola-Gha (pg. 417) -- From Dickens' Bleak House.
petriaction (pg. 449) -- The process of turning some plant material into stone.
febrile (pg. 454) -- Of or relating to or characterized by fever.
fidus Achaetes (pg. 465) -- Faithful Achates : trusty friend.
billet-duxis (pg. 505) -- Billet doux, a love letter.