Vocabulary in An Arundel Tomb

A carved stone likeness of a person, typically placed on top of a tomb to represent the deceased lying in repose.

A British nobleman of high rank, sitting between a marquess and a viscount in the aristocratic hierarchy.

The wife or widow of an earl, or a woman who holds the rank of earl in her own right.

Wearing a gauntlet — a heavy armored glove made of metal or leather, worn as part of medieval battle armor.

Relating to the formal system of symbols, coats of arms, and insignia used to identify noble families, often carved or painted on tombs and monuments.

Written in the ancient Roman language used throughout medieval Europe for official, religious, and commemorative inscriptions on monuments and tombs.

Completely changed in form or appearance, often in a way that distorts or elevates the original beyond recognition.

A falsehood or misrepresentation — here, the idea that time's erosion has turned the tomb's original meaning into something misleading or untrue.

To rest or recline in a flat, horizontal position — used here of the stone figures lying stretched out on the tomb, not of telling a falsehood.

To continue to exist or endure after everything else has faded, decayed, or been forgotten.

A natural, inborn impulse or tendency that guides feeling or behavior without conscious reasoning.

A coined compound suggesting an urge or belief that feels natural and deeply felt but falls just short of being a genuine, reliable instinct — implying it is partly wishful thinking.