Chapter XVIII: Conclusion — Vocabulary
Walden Pond by Henry David Thoreau — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter XVIII: Conclusion
- cosmopolite
- A person who is at home in all parts of the world; a citizen of the world.
- tafferel
- The flat upper part of a ship's stern, or the rail around it (also spelled taffrail).
- oakum
- Loose fiber obtained by unpicking old ropes, used for caulking the seams of wooden ships.
- extravagance
- As Thoreau uses it etymologically: wandering beyond boundaries (from Latin extra + vagari, to wander).
- pellicle
- A thin skin, membrane, or film; a surface layer.
- tintinnabulum
- A ringing or tinkling sound, as of bells.
- obsequious
- Excessively compliant or deferential; eager to serve or please.
- magnanimity
- Generosity of spirit; the quality of being noble and forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
- alburnum
- The sapwood of a tree; the softer, lighter-colored wood between the inner bark and the heartwood.
- scintillation
- A flash or spark; a brilliant, sudden display of wit or light.
- ferule
- A metal cap or ring placed on the end of a stick or staff to protect it or give it strength.
- porticoes
- Covered entrances to buildings, supported by columns; porches with roofs supported by pillars.
- handselled
- Given as a first installment or gift; used or inaugurated for the first time (archaic past participle of handsel).
- superfluous
- More than what is needed or useful; excessive and unnecessary.
- insensibly
- Gradually and without being noticed; imperceptibly.
- volatile
- Liable to change rapidly; tending to evaporate quickly. Thoreau uses it to describe truth that resists being pinned down in words.