Chapter XV: Winter Animals — Vocabulary
Walden Pond by Henry David Thoreau — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter XV: Winter Animals
- plectrum
- A small flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of a musical instrument; a pick.
- sonorously
- In a deep, full, rich-sounding manner; with impressive resonance.
- commodore
- The senior captain of a shipping line or fleet; here used humorously for the lead goose.
- demoniacally
- In a manner resembling a demon; wildly, fiercely, or frantically.
- rudimental
- Being in an early or undeveloped stage; rudimentary; primitive.
- vulpine
- Relating to or resembling a fox; crafty or cunning.
- circumspection
- The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious observation of surroundings.
- gratuitous
- Done without good reason; uncalled for; given freely without payment.
- somerset
- An archaic spelling of somersault; a complete turn of the body.
- frivolous
- Not having any serious purpose or value; carefree and lighthearted to an excessive degree.
- epaulet
- An ornamental shoulder piece on a military uniform, indicating rank or distinction.
- flatulency
- The state of having excessive gas in the digestive tract; used figuratively for the pond's restless noises.
- indeterminable
- Impossible to determine or measure precisely; of uncertain extent.
- dropsical
- Swollen with fluid; affected by dropsy (edema). Used to describe the hare's bulging eyes.
- venison
- The meat of a deer; here used figuratively to describe the wild hare as game.
- indigenous
- Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.