Chapter II. Tom's early life. — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter II. Tom's early life.

mendicancy (noun)

The practice or condition of begging for a living.

stringent (adjective)

Strict, precise, and exacting; allowing no deviation.

offal (noun)

Waste parts, especially of a butchered animal; refuse or garbage.

genii (noun)

Plural of genius in the sense of supernatural spirits or guardian deities; also refers to jinn in Eastern mythology.

equerries (noun)

Officers of the royal household responsible for the care of horses; personal attendants to a sovereign.

chamberlains (noun)

Officers who manage the household of a monarch or noble; officials in charge of the private chambers of a ruler.

viceroyalties (noun)

Territories governed by a viceroy, who rules as the representative of a king or sovereign.

despondently (adverb)

In a manner showing loss of hope, courage, or spirit; dejectedly.

obeisances (noun)

Gestures of respect or reverence, such as a bow or curtsy.

sordidness (noun)

The quality of being dirty, squalid, or morally degraded.

stealthily (adverb)

In a cautious, secretive manner so as to avoid being noticed.

salaaming (verb)

Making a salaam -- a deep bow with the hand touching the forehead, used as a respectful greeting in Eastern cultures.

farthings (noun)

Former British coins worth one quarter of a penny; used to indicate a very small amount of money.

mimic (adjective)

Imitative or simulated; not genuine but made in imitation of something real.

wrought (verb)

Caused or brought about (past tense of "work" in its archaic sense); produced a strong effect.

picturesque (adjective)

Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.