Chapter 2 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 2

prodigious (adjective)

Remarkably great in extent, size, or degree; extraordinary.

aquiline (adjective)

Curved or hooked like an eagle's beak, typically describing a nose.

saturnine (adjective)

Gloomy, dark, and brooding in temperament or appearance.

physiognomy (noun)

A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character.

courtly (adjective)

Very polite or refined, as befitting a royal court; dignified and gracious.

preternatural (adjective)

Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary, especially in a way that suggests the supernatural.

voluptuousness (noun)

The quality of being luxuriously sensual or indulgent in physical pleasures.

Boyar (noun)

A member of the old Slavic aristocracy, ranking just below the ruling princes; a feudal nobleman.

caleche (noun)

A light, low-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a removable folding hood.

dilapidated (adjective)

In a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.

remissness (noun)

The state of being negligent or careless in attending to duty.

protuberant (adjective)

Protruding or bulging outward beyond the surrounding surface.

demoniac (adjective)

Of, resembling, or suggestive of a demon; fiendish or frenzied.

patronymic (noun)

A name derived from the name of a father or ancestor, or the practice of placing the surname first.

precipice (noun)

A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one from which a fall would be dangerous.

prosaic (adjective)

Having the style or diction of prose; lacking imagination or excitement; dull and matter-of-fact.