ACT I - Scene II — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT I - Scene II

minion (noun)

A favorite or darling; one who is especially favored. In the phrase "Valor’s minion," it means Macbeth is Courage’s chosen champion.

nave (noun)

The navel or belly button; the center of the abdomen. Macbeth splits Macdonwald from navel to chin.

chaps (noun)

The jaws or cheeks. In this context, Macbeth sliced Macdonwald from belly to jaw.

unseam’d (verb)

Ripped open, as though cutting a seam in cloth. A violently graphic verb describing how Macbeth split Macdonwald’s body.

kerns (noun)

Lightly armed Irish foot soldiers, considered rough and undisciplined by the Elizabethan English.

gallowglasses (noun)

Heavily armed Irish or Scottish mercenary soldiers, elite warriors who fought with large axes.

brandish’d (verb)

Waved or flourished a weapon in a threatening or display manner, suggesting aggressive readiness for combat.

furbish’d (adjective)

Polished or renovated; here it means freshly prepared or renewed weapons and armor ready for battle.

composition (noun)

A settlement or agreement to end hostilities; a truce negotiated between warring parties.

lavish (adjective)

Here meaning wild, unrestrained, or insolent—not the modern sense of generous or extravagant.

sooth (noun)

Truth or reality. "If I say sooth" means "if I speak the truth."

broil (noun)

A noisy quarrel, tumult, or battle. Duncan asks for a report on the ongoing conflict.

flout (verb)

To mock, scorn, or show contempt for. The Norwegian banners "flout the sky" by defiantly flying over Scottish territory.

disbursed (verb)

Paid out money, especially from a fund. Norway must pay ransom before burying its dead.