Chapter VIII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter VIII

prostrate

Lying face down on the ground, especially as a sign of submission, exhaustion, or grief.

approbation

Approval or praise, especially formal or official approval.

vehement

Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.

imputation

An accusation or charge; the attribution of fault or wrongdoing to someone.

corroborate

To confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence.

tenacious

Tending to hold firmly; persistent or retentive, especially of memory.

fervid

Intensely enthusiastic or passionate; burning with emotion.

construe

To analyze the grammatical structure of a text, especially translating word by word from Latin or Greek.

ambrosia

In Greek mythology, the food of the gods; anything especially delicious or pleasing.

phylactery

A small leather box containing Hebrew scripture, worn on the forehead and arm during prayer; more broadly, any object worn as a charm or reminder.

slattern

An archaic or derogatory term for a woman who is habitually untidy or slovenly.

Barmecide

Illusory or imaginary, especially of a feast or abundance that does not really exist. From a story in the Arabian Nights about a prince who served an imaginary banquet.

wont

Accustomed; in the habit of doing something.

privations

The state of lacking the basic necessities or comforts of life; deprivation.

covert

Not openly acknowledged or displayed; hidden or secret.

mien

A person's look, manner, or bearing, especially as an expression of character or mood.