From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Related words and phrases.
A gage in the evening games is an object surrendered as a forfeit, not a wage or promise of political fidelity. The objects are later drawn from Élodie’s lap and redeemed by a song, recitation or other social accomplishment. Racheter here means win back the surrendered possession by performing, rather than buy a new item at a shop.
Places to read
- Chapter X, paragraph 61Frenchil donna un gage: He surrendered a forfeit. Gamelin gives the knife that earlier divided his bread.
- Chapter X, paragraph 61Frenchpour racheter le sien: To redeem their own. Each player must display a social talent to recover the object.