Regency Vocabulary

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a discussion with a Regency lady or gentleman? So much of the English language of the Regency Era has been lost in translation and although Jane Austen is a reigning favorite of England and my bookshelf, much of the dialogue in her beloved novels fall on confused and ignorant ears. With a deeper understanding of the innuendo and subtlety that goes with any time in history, comes a deeper appreciation for, and enjoyment of any (already) timeless author. With no prior understanding of what a libertine is, it is difficult to discern what Colonel Brandon truly believes of the character of Mr. Willoughby. Sure, we get the gist that Willoughby is a nasty and egotistial young man, but what is that indefinable characteristic that wraps him up in a nutshell?

"I have described Mr. Willoughby as the worst of libertines." - Colonel Brandon

In order to better follow the in depth analysis of Jane Austen's characters, I am providing the following link for a Regency Lexicon...

http://www.thenonesuch.com/lexicon.html