Book III - Chapter VIII. A Hand at Cards — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book III - Chapter VIII. A Hand at Cards

gregarious (adjective)

Fond of company; tending to gather in flocks or communities.

cavalier (noun)

A gentleman serving as a lady’s escort; historically, a mounted soldier or knight.

reticule (noun)

A woman’s small handbag or drawstring purse, common in the 18th and 19th centuries.

condescension (noun)

An attitude of patronizing superiority; behavior that implies one is lowering oneself.

subornation (noun)

The act of inducing someone to commit an unlawful act, especially perjury or treason.

emissary (noun)

A person sent on a special mission, often as a diplomatic or secret representative.

tergiversation (noun)

The act of changing one’s loyalties or principles; evasion of straightforward action.

inscrutability (noun)

The quality of being impossible to understand or interpret; mysteriousness.

ostentatious (adjective)

Designed to impress or attract notice; showy and pretentious.

aquiline (adjective)

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

negligently (adverb)

In a casually unconcerned or careless manner.

abhorrence (noun)

A feeling of intense hatred or disgust; utter loathing.

estranged (adjective)

No longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated.

consternation (noun)

Feelings of anxiety or dismay at something unexpected; shocked alarm.

demean (verb)

To cause a severe loss in the dignity or respect of someone or something.