Chapter 14 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 14

patroness (noun)

A woman who gives financial or other support to a person, cause, or institution; a female patron.

affability (noun)

The quality of being friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to; warmth and approachability.

condescension (noun)

In Austen's era, gracious behavior by a social superior toward inferiors (now typically implies a patronizing attitude).

vouchsafed (verb)

Graciously gave, granted, or condescended to offer something, often implying the giver's superior status.

quadrille (noun)

A card game for four players popular in the 18th century, played with a reduced deck of 40 cards.

phaeton (noun)

A light, open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, typically driven by the owner.

heiress (noun)

A woman who inherits or is entitled to inherit a large fortune or estate.

discourses (noun)

Formal speeches or sermons on a particular subject, especially delivered to an audience.

importune (verb)

To make persistent or pressing requests of someone; to trouble with unwanted demands.

solemnity (noun)

The quality of being serious, dignified, and grave in manner or behavior.

antagonist (noun)

An opponent or adversary, especially in a game or contest (here, a backgammon opponent).

countenance (noun)

A person's facial expression or the face itself; composure of one's features.

circulating library (noun)

A library from which books could be borrowed for a fee, common in 18th- and 19th-century England and associated with novel-reading.

affront (noun)

An action or remark that causes outrage or offense; a deliberate insult.

amiable (adjective)

Friendly, pleasant, and likable in manner and disposition.