Chapter 17 - The Ramadan — Vocabulary
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 17 - The Ramadan
- apoplexy
- A sudden loss of consciousness or control caused by a rupture or blockage of a blood vessel in the brain; a stroke.
- footmanism
- Servile obedience or submissiveness, likened to the behavior of a footman (servant).
- sinister
- In its original Latin sense: situated on the left side; also suggesting something threatening or ominous.
- blandishments
- Flattering or pleasing statements or actions used to persuade someone gently.
- sagacious
- Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd.
- dyspeptic
- Relating to or suffering from indigestion; by extension, irritable or gloomy in temperament.
- deplorably
- In a manner deserving strong condemnation; wretchedly or lamentably.
- digressively
- In a manner that departs from the main subject or course of argument.
- counterpane
- A bedspread or quilt, typically decorative.
- prodigious
- Remarkably great in extent, size, or degree; enormous.
- avast
- A nautical command meaning "stop" or "cease."
- pilau
- A dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat and vegetables; also spelled pilaf.
- trenchers
- Large wooden platters or boards used for serving food, common in earlier centuries.
- castor
- A stand or frame holding a set of condiment containers (cruets) for table use.
- ruminated
- Thought deeply or carefully about something; pondered.