CHAPTER 6 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 6

exonerated (verb (past participle))

Cleared from accusation or blame; absolved of guilt.

impel (verb)

To drive or urge forward; to compel or motivate someone to take action.

pilfering (noun (gerund))

The act of stealing things of small value; petty theft.

dregs (noun)

The remnants or last remaining parts; often the least valuable portion at the bottom.

mistrusted (verb (past tense))

Felt doubt or suspicion about; lacked confidence in.

thenceforth (adverb)

From that time onward; from that point forward.

morbidly (adverb)

In a way that is abnormally gloomy, obsessive, or unhealthily focused on disturbing subjects.

meditating (verb (present participle))

Thinking deeply or carefully about something; contemplating.

conviction (noun)

A firmly held belief or opinion; in this context, an unshakeable certainty.

intercourse (noun)

Communication or dealings between people; social interaction. (Archaic/formal usage.)

excommunicated (verb (past participle))

Officially excluded from participation in the sacraments and services of the Church; by extension, expelled from a group.

lay capacity (noun phrase)

In a non-professional or non-clerical role; acting as an ordinary person rather than in an official church position.

circumstantial evidence (noun phrase)

Evidence that implies something occurred but does not directly prove it; in this context, used humorously to refer to mud stains on trousers.

unanimously (adverb)

With the agreement of all people involved; without any dissent.

slumberous (adjective)

Sleepy; drowsy; inclined toward sleep.