Chapter XVII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XVII

contumacy (noun)

Stubborn refusal to obey or comply with authority; rebellious resistance.

protegee (noun)

A girl or woman who is guided and supported by an older, more experienced person.

confabulate (verb)

To talk informally; to chat or converse.

saturnine (adjective)

Gloomy, dark, and brooding in temperament or appearance.

piquant (adjective)

Having a pleasantly stimulating or attractive quality; engagingly provocative.

lustres (noun)

Chandeliers or ornamental light fixtures with hanging crystal prisms.

abigails (noun)

Ladies' maids; female personal attendants to women of high social standing.

appanage (noun)

A rightful entitlement or natural accompaniment; something belonging to one by right of position.

lachrymose (adjective)

Tearful; given to weeping; inducing tears.

incubi (noun)

Plural of incubus; burdens or oppressive presences (originally evil spirits believed to lie upon sleepers).

charivari (noun)

A noisy, discordant mock serenade; a cacophonous disturbance.

physiognomy (noun)

The art of judging character from facial features; a person's facial features or expression.

portentous (adjective)

Ominously significant; serving as a warning or sign of something momentous.

furbish (verb)

To polish or renovate; to restore to good condition by cleaning or refurbishing.

victualage (noun)

Food or provisions; supplies of things to eat.