Chapter 47 - The Mat-Maker — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 47 - The Mat-Maker

sultry (adjective)

Hot and humid; oppressively warm and close.

preluding (adjective)

Serving as a prelude or introduction to something about to happen.

incantation (noun)

A series of words said as a magic spell or charm; an enchanting quality.

revelry (noun)

Lively and noisy festivities; here used ironically to suggest a dreamy enchantment.

marline (noun)

A light two-stranded rope used in nautical work for seizing and binding.

warp (noun)

The set of lengthwise threads on a loom, through which the woof (weft) is woven crosswise.

woof (noun)

The crosswise threads woven through the warp on a loom; also called the weft.

unalterable (adjective)

Unable to be changed or modified; fixed and permanent.

prescribed (verb (past participle))

Limited or restricted; laid down as a rule or direction.

cadence (noun)

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking; a rhythmic modulation of sound.

lee-beam (noun)

The side of a ship sheltered from the wind; a direction at right angles to the ship on its downwind side.

sounding (noun (gerund))

In whaling, the act of a whale diving deep beneath the surface.

evinced (verb (past tense))

Revealed or made evident; displayed clearly.

samphire (noun)

A European plant that grows on rocks and cliffs near the sea, historically gathered by lowering baskets over cliff edges.

gunwale (noun)

The upper edge or rail of a ship's or boat's side.