ACT I - Scene IV — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT I - Scene IV

shrewdly (adverb)

Sharply or piercingly; with a biting quality.

eager (adjective)

In archaic usage, sharp, biting, or keen (referring to cold air), not enthusiastic.

rouse (noun)

A full draught of liquor; a bumper toast or round of heavy drinking.

wassail (noun)

A festive drinking bout or carousal; a toast made during such an occasion.

Rhenish (noun)

Rhine wine; white wine from the Rhine region of Germany.

traduc'd (verb (past participle))

Slandered; spoken of in a way that causes shame or disgrace.

plausive (adjective)

Pleasing in manner; seemingly worthy of approval or applause.

cerements (noun)

Waxed cloth wrappings used to encase a corpse for burial.

inurn'd (verb (past participle))

Placed in an urn or tomb; entombed.

ponderous (adjective)

Extremely heavy; weighty and massive.

impartment (noun)

A communication or disclosure; something to be imparted privately.

sovereignty (noun)

Supreme power or authority; here used to mean the ruling command of one's rational mind.

beetles (verb)

Juts out or overhangs threateningly.

fadoms (noun)

Archaic spelling of fathoms; units of measurement equal to six feet, used for depth.

artire (noun)

Archaic form of artery; here meaning sinew, tendon, or ligament of the body.

Nemean (adjective)

Relating to Nemea in ancient Greece; the Nemean lion was a mythical beast slain by Hercules as one of his twelve labors.