Chapter XVIII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XVIII

halcyon (adjective)

Denoting a period of time that is peaceful, happy, and prosperous.

contumelious (adjective)

Scornful and insulting; contemptuously rude or abusive.

meretricious (adjective)

Apparently attractive but having no real value or integrity; superficially alluring.

sardonic (adjective)

Grimly mocking or cynical; disdainfully humorous.

taciturnity (noun)

The quality of being reserved or uncommunicative in speech; habitual silence.

supercilious (adjective)

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; haughtily disdainful.

swarthy (adjective)

Having a dark complexion.

physiognomy (noun)

A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character.

girandoles (noun)

Ornamental branching candleholders or wall-mounted light fixtures.

surtout (noun)

A man's overcoat or frock coat, typically close-fitting.

beldame (noun)

An old woman, especially an ugly or unpleasant one; a hag.

acrimony (noun)

Bitterness or ill feeling; sharpness of manner or speech.

desponding (adjective)

Showing a loss of hope or courage; dejected and disheartened.

sagacity (noun)

The quality of having keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewdness.

raillery (noun)

Good-humored teasing; banter.

importunity (noun)

Persistent, often annoying solicitation or demand; urgent entreaty.