Book XX — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book XX

cloister (noun)

A covered walkway or colonnade, typically surrounding a courtyard; here, the entrance hall or portico of Odysseus's palace.

brooding (verb (present participle))

Thinking deeply and anxiously about something; dwelling on dark or troubling thoughts.

paunch (noun)

The stomach or belly of an animal, especially when used as a casing for blood sausage or haggis.

contrive (verb)

To devise or plan something with cleverness or ingenuity, especially in a difficult situation.

slumber (noun)

Sleep, especially deep or peaceful sleep.

hecatomb (noun)

A great public sacrifice to the gods, originally of one hundred oxen; any large-scale offering or slaughter.

requite (verb)

To repay or make return for; to avenge or retaliate for a wrong done.

gibing (verb (present participle))

Making taunting, mocking, or jeering remarks at someone.

doughty (adjective)

Brave and persistent; valiant and formidable, especially in combat.

gainsay (verb)

To deny, contradict, or speak against something.

ribald (adjective/noun)

Referring to sexual matters in a rude, vulgar, or humorously coarse way; an ill-mannered, crude person.

sardonic (adjective)

Grimly mocking or cynical; expressing bitter contempt through a forced smile.

foreboding (noun)

A feeling that something bad will happen; an ominous premonition or presentiment of evil.

importunate (adjective)

Persistent and demanding in a way that is annoying or intrusive; refusing to be denied.

fain (adverb)

Willingly, gladly; used to express a preference or wish, especially for something difficult.

shroud (noun)

A cloth or covering used to wrap a dead body; metaphorically, a thick, dark covering that conceals.