Chapter XIV: Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XIV: Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors

abetted

Assisted or encouraged, often in wrongdoing, but here meaning simply aided or helped.

copse

A small group of trees growing closely together; a thicket.

obliterated

Destroyed completely; wiped out so as to leave no trace.

inhumane

Without compassion for misery or suffering; cruel. Here Thoreau uses it to describe the harshness of Zilpha's life.

fictile

Capable of being molded or shaped; relating to pottery or ceramics.

delirium

A disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence. Here referring to delirium tremens caused by alcoholism.

lethargy

A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and lack of energy or enthusiasm.

conflagrations

Large, destructive fires that cause extensive damage.

verdure

The fresh green color of flourishing vegetation; lush greenness.

stirp

A line of descendants from a common ancestor; a stock or lineage.

cronching

An archaic or dialectal spelling of "crunching" — pressing or grinding with a crushing noise.

slumberous

Inducing or characterized by drowsiness or sleep.

ingenuus

A Latin term meaning freeborn, noble, or frank; not bound by obligations or institutions.

caravansary

An inn in Eastern countries with a large courtyard, providing accommodation for caravans of travelers.

perennial

Lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring or continually recurring.

conviviality

The quality of being friendly and lively; sociable festivity and good cheer.

sufferance

Tolerance or passive permission; the condition of being tolerated without active approval.