Book VI — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book VI

vicissitude (noun)

A change or variation; an alternation between opposite states or conditions

procinct (noun)

A state of readiness or preparation, especially for battle

obsequious (adjective)

Compliant, dutiful, or submissive (used here in its original, non-pejorative sense)

puissance (noun)

Great power, might, or influence

surceas'd (verb)

Ceased; stopped or paused from an activity

adamant (noun)

An extremely hard, legendary substance; also used figuratively for something unbreakable

illaudable (adjective)

Not praiseworthy; deserving of no praise or commendation

panoplie (noun)

A complete suit of armor; a full, impressive collection or display

refulgent (adjective)

Shining brightly; radiant; gleaming

jaculation (noun)

The act of throwing or hurling, especially with great force

effulgence (noun)

A brilliant radiance; a shining forth of splendor or glory

empyreal (adjective)

Of or relating to the highest heaven; celestial; composed of pure fire or light

convolv'd (adjective)

Twisted or coiled upon itself; writhing in complex contortions

obdur'd (adjective)

Hardened in feeling or resistance; stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

combustion (noun)

The process of burning; violent agitation or tumult

adusted (adjective)

Scorched or burned; dried out by heat

pernicious (adjective)

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way; deadly

circumfus'd (adjective)

Poured or spread around; surrounding on all sides

insensate (adjective)

Lacking physical sensation; also, lacking sense or reason; foolish

displode (verb)

To discharge or explode with a loud noise; to fire off (a weapon)