CHAPTER 11 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 11

superciliously (adverb)

In a manner that shows an air of contemptuous superiority or disdain.

toadies (noun)

People who flatter or fawn over someone in power in order to gain advantage.

humbugs (noun)

Frauds or imposters; people who deceive others through false pretenses.

epergne (noun)

An ornamental centerpiece for a dining table, typically with branching arms for holding dishes, flowers, or candles.

proprieties (noun)

The standards of correct social behavior; the conventions of polite conduct.

obnoxious (adjective)

Exposed to harm or liable to something unpleasant (archaic sense); offensive or objectionable (modern sense).

sal volatile (noun)

Smelling salts; an aromatic solution of ammonium carbonate used to revive someone who has fainted.

corrugated (adjective)

Shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves; wrinkled or furrowed.

dexterous (adjective)

Showing skill and cleverness, especially with the hands or body.

sanguinary (adjective)

Involving or causing much bloodshed; bloody.

pervade (verb)

To spread through and be present in every part of something.

distraught (adjective)

Very worried, upset, or distracted; in a state of agitated confusion.

obtruded (verb)

Thrust forward or imposed in an unwelcome or intrusive way.

denuded (adjective)

Stripped bare; divested of covering or possessions.

condescend (verb)

To act in a way that shows one considers oneself superior to others; to lower oneself willingly.