Chapter 49 - The Hyena — Vocabulary
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 49 - The Hyena
- dispirits (verb)
- Causes someone to lose enthusiasm, hope, or courage; disheartens.
- knobby (adjective)
- Having hard lumps or protuberances; difficult and awkward to deal with.
- potent (adjective)
- Having great power, influence, or effect; strong and effective.
- tribulation (noun)
- A state of great trouble, suffering, or distress; severe trial or affliction.
- momentous (adjective)
- Of great importance or significance, especially in having bearing on future events.
- genial (adjective)
- Friendly, cheerful, and good-natured; pleasantly warm.
- desperado (noun)
- A reckless, bold person, especially a criminal willing to take dangerous risks.
- impetuousness (noun)
- The quality of acting quickly and without thought or care; rashness.
- scuttling (verb)
- Deliberately sinking a ship by making holes in its hull or opening its seacocks.
- imputed (verb)
- Attributed or ascribed (something, especially something negative) to a cause or source.
- heedfulness (noun)
- The quality of being watchful, careful, and attentive to potential danger.
- legatee (noun)
- A person who receives property or money through a will; an heir designated by testament.
- diversion (noun)
- An activity that provides amusement or entertainment; a pastime.
- tranquilly (adverb)
- In a calm, peaceful, and untroubled manner; serenely.
- bivouacks (noun)
- Temporary encampments without shelter; here used figuratively for floating helplessly at sea.