ACT III - Scene III — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT III - Scene III

murtherer (noun)

An archaic spelling of "murderer"; one who commits homicide. Shakespeare uses this older form throughout the scene's stage directions and dialogue.

offices (noun)

Duties or tasks assigned to someone; here, the specific instructions Macbeth gave the murderers regarding their assassination mission.

direction (noun)

Instructions or orders given by an authority. The Second Murderer means that the Third Murderer knows their exact orders from Macbeth.

lated (adjective)

Belated; running late, caught out after the expected time. Describes a traveler hurrying to reach shelter before nightfall.

apace (adverb)

Swiftly; at a quick pace. The belated traveler hurries along to reach the inn before full darkness falls.

timely (adjective)

Here meaning "welcoming" or "reached in good time"; an inn that a traveler reaches before it is too late. An older sense different from the modern meaning of "punctual."

note of expectation (noun phrase)

A list of expected guests; a register of those who are anticipated to attend the banquet at the palace.

stand to't (imperative phrase)

A command meaning "brace yourself" or "get ready to fight." The First Murderer uses it to signal the others to prepare for the ambush.

treachery (noun)

Betrayal of trust; a treacherous act. Banquo cries this word as he realizes he has been ambushed by assassins sent by someone he trusted.

slave (noun)

A term of contempt directed at the murderers. Banquo uses it as an insult in his dying breath, expressing his scorn for the men who attacked him.