太枘: dowel

烏帽子: a type of court cap in the Heian period, now worn by gyoji presiding over sumo matches

牡蠣: oyster; roasted and powdered oyster shell, used in antacids, sedatives, and as a bird feed additive

母船: mother ship

carving in fine lines

Short for 張りぼて (haribote). / Short for 棒手振 (botefuri, “carrying-pole-bearing hawker”). / Short for 腹ぼて (harabote, “big belly”).

(slang) to find something utterly hilarious

crucible; (melting) pot

(slang) right up one's alley; in line with one's taste

坪井, 壺井, 壷井: a surname