Book II - Chapter VII. Monseigneur in Town — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book II - Chapter VII. Monseigneur in Town

escutcheon (noun)

A shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms; by extension, a family's reputation or honor.

emulative (adjective)

Seeking to equal or surpass someone through imitation; motivated by rivalry.

foisted (verb)

Imposed something unwanted or unqualified upon someone through deception or force.

ecclesiastics (noun)

Members of the clergy; people who hold official positions in the Christian Church.

talisman (noun)

An object or quality thought to have magical power to bring good luck or ward off evil.

servility (noun)

Excessive willingness to serve or please others; slavish obedience.

abject (adjective)

Experienced or existing to the most extreme degree; utterly hopeless or wretched.

haughty (adjective)

Arrogantly superior and disdainful toward others.

patrician (adjective)

Belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy or upper class; noble.

deigning (verb)

Condescending to do something considered beneath one's dignity.

countenance (noun)

A person's face or facial expression, especially as an indicator of mood or character.

cataleptic (adjective)

Relating to catalepsy—a medical condition involving a trance-like state with rigid body and loss of consciousness.

languidly (adverb)

In a slow, relaxed manner lacking energy or vitality.

contemptuous (adjective)

Showing contempt; scornful and disdainful.

brigand (noun)

A bandit or robber, especially one belonging to a gang operating in wild or mountainous areas.