Book II - Chapter XI. A Companion Picture — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book II - Chapter XI. A Companion Picture

jackal (noun)

A person who does subordinate or preliminary work for another, especially in a professional context; originally a wild dog-like animal that hunts for prey that larger predators then consume.

arrears (noun)

Work or obligations that are overdue and have accumulated; a backlog of unfinished tasks or unpaid debts.

grist (noun)

Grain that is to be ground; figuratively, material that can be processed or turned to advantage.

bumper (noun)

A cup or glass filled to the brim, especially for a toast; an unusually large or full serving of a drink.

moroseness (noun)

A sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered disposition; habitual bad-temperedness and unsociable behavior.

hangdog (adjective)

Having a dejected, guilty, or shamefaced appearance; looking downcast and dispirited as if deserving punishment.

politic (adjective)

Prudent and shrewd in practical affairs; acting with calculated diplomacy to gain advantage.

incorrigible (adjective)

Not able to be corrected, reformed, or improved; stubbornly resistant to change or discipline.

ostentatious (adjective)

Characterized by a showy, pretentious display intended to impress others or attract attention.

complacent (adjective)

Smugly self-satisfied and uncritically pleased with oneself or one's achievements.

designation (noun)

A name, title, or description used to identify or classify something; a characterizing label.

mercenary (adjective)

Motivated primarily by a desire for money or material gain rather than by principle or affection.

portly (adjective)

Having a stout, somewhat heavy body; corpulent in a dignified or imposing way.

concocting (verb)

Preparing or mixing something, especially a drink or scheme, by combining various ingredients or elements.

inflating (verb)

Puffing up or swelling, either literally or figuratively; here, swelling with self-importance and pride.