Book I - Chapter II. The Mail — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book I - Chapter II. The Mail

lumbered (verb)

Moved heavily and clumsily, with effort and noise.

mutinous (adjective)

Rebellious; refusing to obey authority or follow orders.

endued (verb)

Provided with a quality or ability; endowed.

capitulated (verb)

Surrendered or ceased to resist; gave in to demands.

tremulous (adjective)

Shaking or quivering slightly; timid or nervous.

forlornness (noun)

A state of being pitifully sad, lonely, or abandoned.

reek (noun)

Steam, smoke, or foul-smelling vapor rising from something.

hardihood (noun)

Boldness or daring; audacious courage.

adjuration (noun)

A solemn or urgent appeal or command.

blunderbuss (noun)

A short, large-bore gun with a flared muzzle, used at close range.

substratum (noun)

An underlying layer or foundation; a base upon which something rests.

genial (adjective)

Here used ironically: cheerful and friendly (the Dover mail's "usual genial position" was actually one of total mutual suspicion).

soliloquy (noun)

The act of talking to oneself; a speech delivered while alone or regardless of hearers.

quavering (adjective)

Trembling or shaking, especially of a voice from nervousness or emotion.

expeditiously (adverb)

With speed and efficiency; promptly and without delay.