Purgatoire

[ pur-guh-twahr, ‐tawr-ee, ‐tohr-ee ]

/ ˈpɜr gəˌtwɑr, ‐ˌtɔr i, ‐ˌtoʊr i /

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noun

a river in SE Colorado, flowing NE to the Arkansas River. 186 miles (299 km) long.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Words nearby Purgatoire

It was natural enough for the Colorado cowboys to transform "Purgatoire river" to "Picketwire river."
The Word Hoosier; John Finley|Jacob Piatt Dunn
"If thar's anybody at Bent's ranch on th' Purgatoire, we might pick up a re-mount thar," muttered Tom.
Bring Me His Ears|Clarence E. Mulford
The delightful Purgatoire has become a deadly bore, and the enchanting Mephistopheles has been riddled as by a hailstorm.
Musical Memories|Camille Saint-Sans
The delightful Purgatoire, where the author sees a chorus of souls in Purgatory, is much better.
Musical Memories|Camille Saint-Sans

Harkness can go to the Purgatoire; he will go if you ask him, though likely he wouldnt for me; and you can have charge here.
Justin Wingate, Ranchman|John H. Whitson