Chapter XXI. Hendon to the rescue. — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XXI. Hendon to the rescue.

vigil

A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.

whetted

Sharpened (a blade) by grinding or rubbing against a hard surface.

blenched

Became pale or white, typically from fear or shock.

fetters

Chains or shackles placed on the hands or feet to restrain a prisoner.

placidly

In a calm, peaceful manner; without disturbance or agitation.

ecstasy

An overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. Here used to describe the hermit's deranged delight.

inarticulate

Unable to be expressed clearly or distinctly; unintelligible.

impotent

Unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless.

palter

To speak or act in an evasive or misleading way; to equivocate or deceive.

peradventure

Perhaps; possibly. An archaic word meaning "by chance."

tarried

Stayed longer than intended; delayed or lingered.

complaisance

Willingness to please others; obliging agreeableness or compliance.

menial

Lowly; relating to work or tasks that are considered beneath one's dignity.

copse

A small group of trees growing closely together; a thicket.

boding

Conveying a sense of foreboding or ominous anticipation.

apostrophe

A rhetorical device in which a speaker addresses an absent person, object, or abstract idea. Here, Hendon directly addresses the mule.

prithee

An archaic contraction of "pray thee," meaning "please" or "I ask you."