Chapter XXIV. The escape. — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XXIV. The escape.

stragglers

People who lag behind or wander aimlessly, arriving or moving later than the main group.

snugly

In a comfortable, warm, and sheltered manner.

prithee

An archaic word meaning "I pray thee" or "please" — used to make a polite request.

bide

To wait or remain in a place; to stay temporarily.

blustering

Speaking in a loud, aggressive, or threatening manner, often to cover up fear or weakness.

tranquil

Calm, peaceful, and free from agitation or disturbance.

nathless

An archaic word meaning "nevertheless" or "notwithstanding."

tarry

To stay longer than intended; to delay or linger.

peradventure

An archaic word meaning "perhaps" or "possibly."

barratry

A legal term for fraud, bribery, or the persistent instigation of groundless lawsuits. Hendon uses it as part of his fake legal jargon.

misprision

The deliberate concealment of knowledge of a treasonable act or a felony; a serious legal offense.

malfeasance

Wrongdoing or illegal conduct, especially by a public official.

halter

A rope with a noose used for hanging a person; here referring to execution by hanging.

commutation

The reduction of a legal sentence to a less severe one.

benefit of clergy

A medieval legal privilege allowing members of the clergy (and later literate people) to be tried in church courts rather than secular ones, often resulting in lighter sentences.

wrest

To pull or force away from someone's grasp by violent twisting or turning.