ACT IV - Scene V — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT IV - Scene V

importunate (adjective)

Persistent and insistent in making demands or requests, often annoyingly so.

distract (adjective)

Insane or mentally deranged (archaic usage, different from the modern meaning of inattentive).

spurns (verb)

Kicks at or rejects with contempt; here, takes offense at trifling matters.

conjectures (noun)

Opinions or conclusions formed on the basis of incomplete information; guesses or speculation.

artless (adjective)

Without skill or cunning; clumsy and uncontrolled (here describing guilt that cannot help revealing itself).

larded (verb (past participle))

Decorated or adorned; originally meant to spread with lard or fat.

greenly (adverb)

Foolishly, naively, or without mature judgment (like something "green" or unripe).

hugger-mugger (adverb)

In secrecy and haste; in a clandestine or disorderly manner.

inter (verb)

To bury a dead body, especially with formal ceremony.

pestilent (adjective)

Destructive, harmful, or tending to cause disease or death; here, morally corrupting.

arraign (verb)

To call before a court to answer a criminal charge; to accuse formally.

Switzers (noun)

Swiss mercenary guards, commonly employed by European rulers for personal protection.

impetuous (adjective)

Acting or done quickly without thought or care; rash and forceful.

pelican (noun (allusion))

In medieval legend, a bird believed to feed its young with blood from its own breast, symbolizing self-sacrifice.

hatchment (noun)

A large tablet bearing the coat of arms of a deceased person, displayed on the front of their house or at their funeral.

ostentation (noun)

A showy or elaborate display; here referring to the formal ceremonial rites owed to a nobleman at burial.