Chapter 3 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 3

compunction (noun)

A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

voluptuous (adjective)

Relating to or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure; curvaceous and sexually attractive.

aquiline (adjective)

Curved like an eagle's beak; hooked in shape.

imperious (adjective)

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.

languorous (adjective)

Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; dreamily relaxed.

coquetry (noun)

Flirtatious behavior or a flirtatious manner.

ribald (adjective)

Referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent way.

lurid (adjective)

Unpleasantly bright in color; glowing with an unnatural reddish light.

menial (adjective)

Relating to work regarded as undignified or servile.

militate (verb)

To be a powerful or conclusive factor in preventing something.

acumen (noun)

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.

impregnable (adjective)

Unable to be captured or broken into; unconquerable.

culverin (noun)

A type of large cannon used in medieval and early modern warfare, noted for its long barrel.

Boyar (noun)

A member of the highest rank of feudal aristocracy in Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Russia.

Voivode (noun)

A military commander or provincial governor in Eastern Europe, equivalent to a duke or prince.