CHAPTER 54 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 54

loitered (verb)

Lingered or moved slowly and aimlessly, often to avoid drawing attention.

amphibious (adjective)

Living or operating both on land and in water; here used humorously to describe people who spend their lives around the waterside.

scullers (noun)

Small boats propelled by a single rower using two oars, one in each hand.

wherries (noun)

Light, shallow rowboats used on rivers, especially for carrying passengers.

colliers (noun)

Ships used primarily for transporting coal.

bowsprit (noun)

A spar or pole extending forward from the bow of a ship.

hawsers (noun)

Thick ropes or cables used to moor or tow a ship.

gunwale (noun)

The upper edge or rail of the side of a boat.

thowels (noun)

Variant spelling of thole pins; pegs set in the side of a boat to serve as a fulcrum for oars.

galley (noun)

In this context, a long, low boat propelled by oars, used by the police or customs officers on the Thames.

manacled (verb)

Restrained with handcuffs or shackles on the wrists and/or ankles.

transport (noun)

A convict sentenced to transportation—exile to a penal colony, typically in Australia.

athwart (adverb)

Across from side to side; at a right angle to the length of a ship or boat.

causeway (noun)

A raised path or road across low or wet ground, here a stone landing area at a riverside tavern.

despondent (adjective)

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage; dejected.

forecastle (noun)

The forward part of a ship below the deck, traditionally where the crew is housed; also the raised deck at the bow.