Chapter VI: Visitors — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter VI: Visitors

loquacious

Tending to talk a great deal; very talkative.

frugal

Sparing or economical with regard to food or money; simple and plain.

abstinence

The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, especially food or drink.

effectually

In a manner that produces the desired result; effectively and completely.

winnowed

Separated or sifted out, removing the less desirable elements; originally a farming term for separating grain from chaff.

Cerberus

In Greek mythology, the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to the underworld; used figuratively to mean any fierce guardian or obstacle.

Homeric

Of, relating to, or resembling the ancient Greek poet Homer or his epic works; grand or epic in scale.

Paphlagonian

Relating to Paphlagonia, an ancient region in Asia Minor; here suggesting a figure of rustic, heroic simplicity from the classical world.

demigods

Beings with partial divine status; mortals regarded with godlike reverence.

thither

To or toward that place (archaic).

withal

In addition; as well; besides (archaic).

alloy

An admixture that lessens value; impurity. (Here used figuratively to mean without any taint of negativity.)

pecunia

The Latin word for money, derived from "pecus" (cattle), reflecting the ancient practice of using livestock as currency.

hasty-pudding

A simple porridge made from cornmeal boiled in water or milk; a staple dish in colonial and 19th-century New England.

munitions

Military supplies and provisions; here used ironically to mean provisions for peacetime domestic life.

unsophisticated

Lacking refined worldly knowledge or experience; artlessly simple and genuine.