The Purloined Letter Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from The Purloined Letter

meerschaum (noun)

A tobacco pipe made from a soft white mineral, often elaborately carved.

enkindle (verb)

To set on fire; to light or ignite.

contemplative (adjective)

Involving deep, serious thought or reflection.

purloined (verb)

Stolen, especially in a way that involves a breach of trust.

ascendancy (noun)

Dominant power or influence over another person or group.

perusal (noun)

The act of reading or examining something carefully.

juxtaposition (noun)

The act of placing two things side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

sagacious (adjective)

Having keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd.

ransacking (verb)

Searching a place thoroughly and often messily, turning everything over.

astute (adjective)

Having the ability to accurately assess situations and turn them to one's advantage; shrewd.

footpads (noun)

Thieves or robbers who operate on foot, as opposed to mounted highwaymen.

doggerel (noun)

Loosely styled, trivial, or poorly constructed verse or poetry.

prodigious (adjective)

Remarkably great in extent, size, or degree.

admeasurement (noun)

The act or process of measuring precisely; a careful measurement.

escritoire (noun)

A small writing desk with drawers and compartments.

Procrustean bed (noun phrase)

A standard or framework to which things are forced to conform, regardless of whether they fit; from the Greek myth of Procrustes.

acumen (noun)

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; sharpness of mind.

egregious (adjective)

Outstandingly bad; shockingly flagrant.

clandestinely (adverb)

In a secretive or hidden manner, especially to conceal an illicit purpose.

intriguant (noun)

A person who engages in secret schemes or plots; an intriguer.

ruses (noun)

Tricks or stratagems intended to deceive or mislead.

commensurate (adjective)

Corresponding in size, extent, or degree; proportional.

ennui (noun)

A feeling of listless weariness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of interest or excitement.

trumpery (adjective)

Showy but worthless; cheap and attractive but of no real value.

superscription (noun)

An address or inscription written on the outside of a letter or document.

corroborative (adjective)

Serving to confirm, support, or strengthen something already believed or suspected.

protracted (verb)

Extended or prolonged in duration beyond what is usual.

precipitate (adjective)

Done or acting with excessive haste or impulse; abrupt and steep.