CHAPTER 24 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 24

tow-head (noun)

A low-lying, sandy island or sandbar in a river, often covered with willows or other vegetation.

cipher (verb)

To work out or figure out through careful thought or calculation.

rapscallions (noun)

Mischievous, dishonest, or unprincipled people; rascals or scoundrels.

starchy (adjective)

Stiff and formal in appearance or manner; looking dignified and impressive.

orneriest (adjective)

Superlative of "ornery"; the most stubborn, mean-spirited, or disreputable.

pious (adjective)

Devoutly religious; showing reverence for God or a sincere devotion to religious duties.

jake (noun)

A naive, unsophisticated young man from the countryside; a country bumpkin.

carpet-bags (noun)

Traveling bags made from carpet fabric, commonly used in the 19th century.

dissentering (adjective)

Dialectal form of "dissenting"; belonging to a Protestant denomination that dissents from the established Church of England.

hail (noun)

A shout or call to attract a ship's attention and request it to stop.

histrionic (adjective)

Relating to actors or acting; theatrical and dramatic in manner.

yawl (noun)

A small boat carried by a larger ship, used to transport passengers or cargo to and from shore.

cretur (noun)

Dialectal pronunciation of "creature"; used here to refer to a person with contempt.

Providence (noun)

The protective care and guidance of God or divine power; used ironically here to mask the king's scheming.

deef (adjective)

Dialectal pronunciation of "deaf"; unable to hear.