Chapter 4 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 4

hilariously (adverb)

In a boisterously merry or cheerful manner; here used in its older sense of exuberant gaiety rather than humor

punctilious (adjective)

Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior; meticulous about formality and etiquette

incredulous (adjective)

Unwilling or unable to believe something; skeptical

rajah (noun)

An Indian king or prince; used here metaphorically to suggest extravagant, princely living

somnambulatory (adjective)

Resembling or characteristic of sleepwalking; moving in a dreamy, unconscious manner

denizen (noun)

An inhabitant or regular frequenter of a particular place

benediction (noun)

A blessing or an expression of good wishes; a solemn invocation of divine favor

disconcerting (adjective)

Causing one to feel unsettled or disturbed; undermining composure

retribution (noun)

Punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act

knickerbockers (noun)

Loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee, popular in the early 20th century as sportswear

penitentiary (noun)

A prison for people convicted of serious crimes

ferocious (adjective)

Savagely fierce or violent; here used paradoxically with 'delicacy' to suggest aggressive precision

sauterne (noun)

A sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region of France (also spelled Sauternes)

abstracted (adjective)

Lost in thought; preoccupied to the point of being unaware of one's surroundings

unfathomable (adjective)

Impossible to fully understand or comprehend; immeasurably deep

jauntily (adverb)

In a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner

dispensed (verb)

Distributed or provided to a number of people; here used metaphorically for spreading light and spectacle