Chapter 71 - The Jeroboam's Story — Vocabulary
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 71 - The Jeroboam's Story
- malignant (adjective)
- Very virulent or infectious; tending to produce death or deterioration.
- peremptorily (adverb)
- In a way that admits no contradiction or refusal; absolutely and decisively.
- cabalistically (adverb)
- In a manner relating to secret or mystical interpretation; having an occult or mysterious quality.
- scaramouch (noun)
- A boastful but cowardly person; originally a stock character in Italian comedy known for clownish behavior.
- ascendency (noun)
- Dominant influence or control over others; the state of being in a commanding position.
- preternatural (adjective)
- Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary, especially in a way that suggests the supernatural.
- perdition (noun)
- Complete and utter ruin; in theology, eternal damnation or the loss of the soul.
- relinquish (verb)
- To voluntarily give up or abandon a claim, right, or course of action.
- gibbering (adjective)
- Speaking rapidly and unintelligibly; chattering incoherently.
- ardor (noun)
- Intense enthusiasm, passion, or eagerness; fervent devotion to a purpose.
- sacrilegious (adjective)
- Involving or guilty of violating something sacred; grossly disrespectful toward what is held holy.
- missive (noun)
- A letter, especially a long or official one.
- freshet (noun)
- A sudden overflow or rush; originally a rush of fresh water, used here figuratively for a sudden outburst.
- stolidly (adverb)
- In a calm, impassive manner showing little emotion or animation.
- impaling (verb)
- Piercing or transfixing with a sharp instrument.