Chapter 109 - Ahab and Starbuck in the Cabin — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 109 - Ahab and Starbuck in the Cabin

Burtons (noun (plural))

A type of tackle or hoisting apparatus used aboard ships to lift heavy loads from the hold.

break out (phrasal verb)

Nautical term meaning to open and unpack cargo from the ship's hold for inspection or rearrangement.

archipelagoes (noun (plural))

Groups or chains of islands, often found in large bodies of water.

prating (verb (present participle))

Talking at length about something in a foolish or tiresome way.

miserly (adjective)

Stingy or unwilling to spend money; characteristic of a miser.

forbearing (adjective)

Patient and restrained; showing tolerance despite provocation.

outraged (verb (past participle))

Treated with violent disregard or abuse; wronged by the exercise of brute force.

levelled (verb (past participle))

Aimed or pointed directly at a target, as with a weapon.

waxes (verb (third person singular))

Grows or increases gradually in a specified quality or state.

disaffection (noun)

Dissatisfaction or disloyalty, especially toward authority or leadership.

imperiously (adverb)

In a domineering or urgently commanding manner; brooking no opposition.

pruning-hook (noun)

A curved cutting tool used for trimming plants; here used to describe the shape of Ahab's jack-knife.

vertu (noun)

An older spelling of "virtu"; objects of art, curiosity, or antiquity valued for their craftsmanship or rarity.

prudential (adjective)

Relating to or showing practical wisdom, caution, and foresight.

plaits (noun (plural))

Folds or wrinkles, here referring to the deep furrows in Ahab's forehead.