CHAPTER 27 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from CHAPTER 27

corpse (noun)

A dead body, especially of a human being.

shroud (noun)

A cloth or sheet used to wrap a dead body for burial.

smouch (verb)

To steal or pilfer; an informal or dialectal word for taking something secretly.

solemn (adjective)

Deeply serious; characterized by dignified or formal gravity.

melodeum (noun)

A melodeon; a small organ in which air is drawn inward through metal reeds by means of a bellows operated by foot pedals.

pison (adjective)

Dialect spelling of "poison," used figuratively to mean extremely or excessively.

rubbage (noun)

Dialect form of "rubbish"; nonsensical or worthless talk.

auction (noun)

A public sale in which property or goods are sold to the highest bidder.

histrionic (adjective)

Relating to acting or theatrical performance; excessively dramatic or emotional.

flatfooted (adverb)

In a firm, direct, and uncompromising manner; plainly and openly.

scandalous (adjective)

Causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against morality or law.

garret (noun)

A top-floor room or attic space, typically small and cramped, just under the roof.

stealthiest (adjective)

Superlative form of stealthy; most cautious and secretive in movement to avoid detection.

congregation (noun)

A group of people assembled for religious worship; a church community.

draft (noun)

A written order directing a bank to pay money to a specified person; a financial instrument similar to a check.