Chapter 128 - The Pequod Meets The Rachel — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 128 - The Pequod Meets The Rachel

descried (verb)

Caught sight of; discerned something distant or difficult to see.

throttling (verb)

Suppressing or restraining forcefully; choking back (an emotion).

shoal (noun)

A large group or school (of fish or whales); also a shallow area of water.

apprehension (noun)

Anxiety or fear about something that may happen; uneasy anticipation of misfortune.

stunsail (noun)

An additional sail (studding sail) set on extensions of the yards during fair wind to increase speed.

conjure (verb)

To earnestly implore or beg; to entreat solemnly (archaic usage).

icily (adverb)

In a cold, unfriendly, or emotionally detached manner.

charter (verb)

To hire or lease (a ship or vehicle) for exclusive temporary use.

vicissitudes (noun)

Unpredictable changes or shifts in circumstances, especially unpleasant ones.

immemorially (adverb)

From a time beyond memory or record; since ancient or immemorial times.

hardihood (noun)

Boldness or daring; resolute courage, sometimes to the point of recklessness.

binnacle (noun)

A stand or housing on the deck of a ship for the compass and navigational instruments.

transfixed (adjective)

Rendered motionless with astonishment, awe, or horror; rooted to the spot.

yaw (verb)

To turn or swerve unsteadily from side to side; (of a ship) to deviate from a straight course.

tack (verb)

To change the course of a sailing vessel by turning its bow through the wind.