ACT I - Scene V — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT I - Scene V

missives

Messengers or written messages sent by an authority. Macbeth uses it to mean messengers from King Duncan who confirmed his new title.

rapt

Completely absorbed or entranced, as if under a spell. Macbeth describes being transfixed by the witches' prophecies.

metaphysical

Supernatural; beyond the physical world. Lady Macbeth refers to the witches' supernatural assistance in prophesying Macbeth's future.

chastise

To scold or discipline severely. Lady Macbeth plans to use forceful words to overcome Macbeth's moral hesitation.

valor

Great courage or bravery, especially in battle. Here Lady Macbeth applies a military term to the force of her persuasive speech.

compunctious

Feeling guilt or moral scruple; having pangs of conscience. Lady Macbeth asks that no feelings of remorse disturb her murderous purpose.

fell

Fierce, ruthless, or deadly. Lady Macbeth uses it to describe the savage cruelty of her intended purpose.

gall

Bile; an extremely bitter substance. Lady Macbeth asks that her nurturing milk be replaced with this bitter, poisonous fluid.

sightless

Invisible; unable to be seen. Lady Macbeth addresses unseen supernatural agents that operate in the invisible realm.

pall

To cover or cloak, as with a funeral cloth. Lady Macbeth asks night to shroud itself in hellish darkness to hide her actions.

dunnest

Darkest; most dull and gloomy in color. The superlative form of "dun," describing the deepest possible darkness.

beguile

To deceive or charm in a misleading way. Lady Macbeth instructs Macbeth to fool everyone by matching his behavior to the occasion.

dispatch

Management or execution of a task; also carries the double meaning of killing. Lady Macbeth says Macbeth should entrust the night's business to her handling.

sovereign

Supreme in power or authority; relating to a monarch's rule. Lady Macbeth envisions their future as absolute rulers.

battlements

The fortified parapet at the top of a castle wall, with openings for defense. Lady Macbeth refers to her own castle walls as Duncan approaches his death.