CHAPTER 26 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 26

reticent (adjective)

Reserved or reluctant to speak freely; uncommunicative.

laving (verb)

Washing or bathing.

capacious (adjective)

Having a lot of space inside; roomy or spacious.

dumb-waiter (noun)

A portable stand with shelves used to hold food and drinks near a dining table, allowing the host to serve without extra attendants.

sinews (noun)

Tendons or tough fibrous tissues connecting muscle to bone; by extension, the source of strength or power.

rallied (verb)

Teased or made fun of in a good-natured way.

amphibious (adjective)

Relating to or suited for both land and water; here used figuratively to describe Drummle's slow, lurking rowing style.

depreciation (noun)

Belittling or expressing disapproval; a disparaging attitude toward others.

morose (adjective)

Sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered.

obtuseness (noun)

The quality of being annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.

festoon (noun)

A decorative chain or strip hanging between two points in a curve; here describing the draping of a towel.

exhorted (verb)

Strongly urged or encouraged someone to do something.

caldron (noun)

A large metal pot used for cooking over an open fire; variant spelling of cauldron. Here associated with the witches in Macbeth.

entreatingly (adverb)

In a manner that begs or implores earnestly.

sluicing (verb)

Washing or rinsing with a stream or splash of water.