I consider myself ever-so-educated now...but I don't think this is what the Buddha meant by "enlightenment." Thanks for your glossary, and especially so for being so complete and entertaining.

From context, I had figured out that "knickers" meant under-pants, but it's helpful to know that it's more generic than I had thought. Here in the Colonies (BTW, I reside in "the Cradle of Liberty") "knickerbocker" is archaic, but "knickers" is exclusively the 3/4-length pant, often associated with pre-WWI young males' apparel. (Boys didn't wear pants until at least 16.)

Here, I think a "singlet" would be called a chemise for females (strap-supported undergarment, sometimes matched with a half-slip) or a "muscle-shirt" for men.

Your "tunic" is likely to be termed a "jumper" here: a sleeveless dress, sometimes paired with a blouse/shirt underneath, unless it's a school uniform, in which case it always is.

I'm saving your little essay as a file in my research section. Someday I might do that story on the bookworm/wallflower, and it would be fun to try and make it as authentically English as possible. Again, she would be a pure victim (both senses of the word), and I like the evil idea of having her brutally taken in the quiet little garret where she escapes (physically, and figuratively--into her literature) and which she falsely feels to be a sanctuary.

You know, this could be a good scenario to try the "reluctant" theme--where she's forced at first, later "gets into it" as the rape proceeds. I usually don't care for this plot line. The gimmick here would be to have her real-life rape segue into literary fantasy experience, and then back into real-time rape, which she authentically enjoys. I should have her reading a classical rape story (Rape of the Lock?) at the time.

Of course, she'll be wearing something awfully romantic and pretty. I'm thinking of a white cotton blouse, high-button, round collar, very generous sleeves and cuffs, and a full dirndl skirt, not to mention satin slip with self-bra cups.

....and matching, chaste--but satin--bloomers!