Book II — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book II

comely (adjective)

Pleasant to look at; attractive in appearance.

comeliness (noun)

The quality of having a pleasing or attractive appearance; gracefulness.

convene (verb)

To call together or assemble for a meeting or gathering.

pall (noun)

A cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb; a burial shroud.

tambour frame (noun)

A circular frame used for holding fabric taut while embroidering; a type of loom or needlework frame.

assented (verb)

Agreed or expressed agreement with a proposal or statement.

rigorously (adverb)

In a strict, demanding, or harsh manner.

Erinyes (noun)

The Furies of Greek mythology; avenging spirits who pursue and punish those guilty of crimes against family members.

prating (verb)

Talking at length in a foolish or inconsequential way.

spunging (verb)

An archaic spelling of "sponging"; living at the expense of others; freeloading.

barrow (noun)

A mound of earth or stones placed over a burial site; a funeral mound or tumulus.

equitably (adverb)

In a fair and impartial manner; justly.

naughtiness (noun)

In this archaic context, wickedness or moral wrongdoing rather than the modern sense of mischievousness.

victuals (noun)

Food or provisions; supplies of food.

discernment (noun)

The ability to judge well; keen perception and good judgment.

hawsers (noun)

Thick ropes or cables used for mooring or towing a ship.

forestays (noun)

Strong ropes or cables running from the masthead to the bow of a ship, supporting the mast from the front.

flaying (verb)

Stripping the skin off an animal, typically in preparation for cooking.