Book III — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book III

effluence (noun)

A flowing out or emanation; something that flows forth from a source.

increate (adjective)

Uncreated; existing without having been created; eternal and self-existent.

sovran (adjective)

An archaic or poetic spelling of 'sovereign,' meaning supreme in power or authority.

suffusion (noun)

The spreading or pouring of a fluid over or through something; here referring to a film or clouding over the eyes.

beatitude (noun)

Supreme blessedness or happiness; a state of utmost bliss, often associated with the divine.

ingrate (noun)

An ungrateful person; one who does not acknowledge or repay kindness received.

fealtie (noun)

Archaic form of 'fealty,' meaning loyalty or faithfulness owed to a lord, sovereign, or God.

devote (adjective)

In archaic usage, 'devoted' in the sense of being consecrated or given over to destruction; doomed.

maugre (preposition)

In spite of; despite. An archaic word borrowed from Old French.

complacence (noun)

In 17th-century usage, the object of delight or pleasure; that in which one finds complete satisfaction (not modern 'complacency').

imputed (adjective)

Attributed or credited to someone; in theology, the transfer of righteousness or guilt from one person to another.

amarant (noun)

An archaic spelling of 'amaranth,' a mythical flower that never fades, symbolizing immortality.

opacous (adjective)

Opaque; not transparent; blocking or not transmitting light.

trumperie (noun)

Archaic form of 'trumpery,' meaning worthless finery, showy but valueless things, or deceitful nonsense.

frontispice (noun)

An archaic form of 'frontispiece,' here meaning the decorated front face or facade of a building or gate.

limbec (noun)

An archaic form of 'alembic,' a distillation apparatus used by alchemists to purify substances.

effulgence (noun)

A brilliant radiance; a shining forth of splendor or glory.

glozing (adjective)

Flattering, wheedling, or using deceptively smooth and persuasive speech.

accostes (verb)

An archaic form of 'accosts,' meaning to approach and address someone, often boldly.

quintessence (noun)

The fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy, believed to compose heavenly bodies; by extension, the purest and most essential form of something.