Rip Van Winkle Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Rip Van Winkle

sepulchre (noun)

A burial vault or tomb, especially one cut in rock or built of stone.

scrupulous (adjective)

Extremely careful and thorough, paying great attention to detail and correctness.

obsequious (adjective)

Excessively eager to please or obey, often in a servile or fawning manner.

malleable (adjective)

Capable of being shaped, influenced, or altered; easily controlled or changed.

termagant (adjective)

A harsh, overbearing, or quarrelsome woman.

impunity (noun)

Freedom from punishment or negative consequences for an action.

insuperable (adjective)

Impossible to overcome; insurmountable.

assiduity (noun)

Persistent and careful attention to a task; diligent effort.

pestilent (adjective)

Causing annoyance or trouble; destructively harmful.

patrimonial (adjective)

Inherited from one's father or ancestors.

galligaskins (noun)

Loose-fitting breeches or trousers, typically worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.

fain (adjective)

Willing or obliged to do something under the circumstances; compelled.

rubicund (adjective)

Having a red or ruddy complexion.

sagely (adverb)

In a wise or knowing manner, often with an ironic suggestion of false wisdom.

junto (noun)

A small, often secretive group united for a common political purpose.

approbation (noun)

Official approval or praise; an expression of warm endorsement.

virago (noun)

A domineering, fierce, or bad-tempered woman.

precipice (noun)

A very steep rock face or cliff, especially one that is tall and nearly vertical.

jerkin (noun)

A close-fitting, sleeveless jacket, typically made of leather or cloth.

alacrity (noun)

Eager willingness or readiness, often accompanied by cheerful promptness.

amphitheatre (noun)

An open, round or oval area surrounded by rising tiers of seats or steep slopes.

flagons (noun)

Large containers, typically with a handle and spout, used for serving drinks.

quaffed (verb)

Drank heartily or in large gulps.

connubial (adjective)

Relating to marriage or the relationship between married partners.

metamorphosed (verb)

Transformed or changed completely in form, nature, or appearance.

haranguing (verb)

Delivering a lengthy, aggressive, or pompous speech to an audience.

torpor (noun)

A state of physical or mental inactivity; sluggishness or dormancy.

propitiated (verb)

Appeased or pleased, especially a god or spirit, through an offering or conciliatory action.