Chapter 45 - The Affidavit — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 45 - The Affidavit

affidavit (noun)

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.

incredulity (noun)

The state of being unwilling or unable to believe something; skepticism.

cypher (noun)

A secret or disguised way of writing; here, a personal identifying mark or monogram.

cognisable (adjective)

Able to be recognized, known, or distinguished.

prestige (noun)

Here used in its older sense of a spell or illusion; an aura of dread or fascination.

irascible (adjective)

Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered; hot-tempered.

hieroglyphics (noun)

Symbols or characters that are difficult to decipher; originally, the picture writing of ancient Egypt.

gainsaid (verb (past participle))

Denied, contradicted, or spoken against.

peremptorily (adverb)

In a way that expects immediate obedience and leaves no room for refusal or debate.

aforethought (adjective)

Premeditated; thought of or planned beforehand.

stove (verb (past tense))

Past tense of "stave": to smash or break a hole in (especially a ship's hull).

miasmas (noun)

Unpleasant or unhealthy smells or vapors; formerly believed to cause disease.

sounding (adjective/verb)

In whaling, the act of a whale diving deep into the water, especially straight down.

providential (adjective)

Occurring at a favorable time as if by divine intervention; fortunate.

consternation (noun)

Feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.