Book V — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book V

harbinger (noun)

A person or thing that signals or foreshadows the approach of something.

firmament (noun)

The vault of the sky; the heavens.

hecatombs (noun)

In ancient Greece, a great public sacrifice of many animals (originally one hundred oxen) to the gods.

transgress (verb)

To go beyond the limits of what is morally or legally acceptable; to violate a command or law.

matrimony (noun)

The state of being married; the formal union between partners.

ambrosia (noun)

In Greek mythology, the food of the gods, associated with immortality and divine nourishment.

adze (noun)

A tool similar to an axe with the blade set at right angles to the handle, used for shaping wood.

gunwale (noun)

The upper edge or rail of the side of a boat or ship.

gossamer (adjective)

A fine, filmy substance or fabric; extremely light, delicate, and translucent.

suppliant (noun)

A person who makes a humble, earnest plea, especially to someone in power or to a deity.

raiment (noun)

Clothing or garments, especially fine or elegant ones.

augers (noun)

Tools with a helical bit for boring holes in wood.

hurdles (noun)

Portable panels of interwoven branches or stakes, used as fencing or barriers.

polypus (noun)

An octopus or similar many-armed sea creature; used in classical literature for the octopus.

equitably (adverb)

In a fair and impartial manner; justly.