creepers any plants whose stems put out tendrils or rootlets by which the plants can creep along a surface as they grow.
Home Counties the counties nearest London.
stockings closefitting coverings, usually knitted, for the feet and, usually, much of the legs.
half here, considerably; very much.
garter an elastic band, or a fastener suspended from a band, girdle, etc., for holding a stocking or sock in position.
sucks to your auntie a British slang expression of derision or contempt; here, "forget your auntie" or "your auntie be damned."
Gib., Addis abbreviations for Gibraltar and Addis Ababa, respectively; refueling stops the evacuation plane made before crashing on the island.
matins orig., the first of the seven canonical hours, recited between midnight and dawn or, often, at daybreak; here, a morning church service at which the choir sang.
precentor a person who directs a church choir or congregation in singing.
shop here, conversation about one's work or business, esp. after hours.
head boy an honorary title given to a student who has made the best all-around contribution to student life and maintains exemplary conduct.
wacco [Brit. Slang] excellent.
wizard [Brit. Informal] excellent.
smashing [Informal] outstandingly good; extraordinary.
