X. The Leech and His Patients — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from X. The Leech and His Patients

leech (noun)

An archaic term for a physician or healer, derived from the Old English "laece." Also refers to a blood-sucking parasitic worm used in early medicine.

sexton (noun)

A person responsible for maintaining a church building and its grounds, including the digging of graves in the churchyard.

somniferous (adjective)

Tending to induce sleep; sleep-producing.

gripe (noun)

An archaic form of "grip"; a firm grasp or hold, often implying a painful or controlling seizure.

inimical (adjective)

Hostile; harmful or adverse in tendency or effect.

morbidness (noun)

An abnormal or unhealthy mental state; a tendency toward gloomy, unwholesome, or diseased thoughts.

importunate (adjective)

Persistent and demanding in a troublesome way; urgent and pressing.

palliate (verb)

To make less severe or intense without removing the cause; to excuse or make appear less serious.

emaciated (adjective)

Abnormally thin and weak, especially as the result of illness or lack of food.

penitential (adjective)

Relating to or expressing sincere regret and repentance for wrongdoing; characterized by penance.

demerits (noun)

Faults, defects, or qualities deserving blame; the opposite of merits.

vestment (noun)

A garment, especially a ceremonial robe or official garment worn by clergy.

burdock (noun)

A large plant of the daisy family with prickly flower heads (burrs) that cling to clothing and fur.

anon (adverb)

Soon; shortly; in a little while.

thenceforward (adverb)

From that time or point onward.