CHAPTER 22 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 22

palings (noun)

A fence made of pointed wooden stakes (pales) set close together.

ca'm (adjective)

Dialectal spelling of "calm"; composed and self-possessed.

outgaze (verb)

To stare at someone longer or more steadily than they can stare back; to outstare.

pluck (noun)

Courage or determination in the face of difficulty; spirited bravery.

grit (noun)

Firmness of character; resolute courage and endurance.

acquit (verb)

To declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge in a court of law.

pitifulest (adjective)

Dialectal superlative of "pitiful"; the most deserving of contempt or pity.

skaddle (verb)

Dialectal form of "skedaddle"; to run away hurriedly.

cavort (verb)

To jump or prance about excitedly; to behave in a wild, uncontrolled way.

astraddle (adverb)

With a leg on each side; straddling.

gaudy (adjective)

Showy and bright in a tasteless or extravagant way; flashily ornate.

lunkheads (noun)

Stupid or slow-witted people; blockheads.

camelopard (noun)

An archaic word for giraffe, from the Greek and Latin word combining "camel" and "leopard."

heeling (verb)

Running fast; hurrying along at top speed.

scornful (adjective)

Expressing or feeling contempt or derision; disdainful.