ACT V - Scene III — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT V - Scene III

taint (verb)

To be affected or contaminated; here, to become infected with fear or cowardice.

epicures (noun)

People devoted to sensual pleasures, especially fine food and drink; used contemptuously to suggest the English are soft and self-indulgent.

sway (verb)

To govern or rule; to be guided or directed by a particular influence.

loon (noun)

A foolish or worthless person; a term of contempt for someone considered stupid or useless.

patch (noun)

A fool or clown; a contemptuous term for a person regarded as worthless, originally referring to a jester's patchwork costume.

disseat (verb)

To unseat or remove from a position of power; to dethrone.

sear (adjective)

Dried up, withered; describing the stage of a leaf that has lost its moisture and vitality.

fain (adverb)

Gladly or willingly; eager to do something if given the opportunity.

skirr (verb)

To scour or sweep rapidly across an area; to search thoroughly and quickly.

minister (verb)

To attend to or provide care and treatment; to serve or administer a remedy.

oblivious (adjective)

Causing forgetfulness; able to erase painful memories. (Note: in modern usage this word means "unaware," but Shakespeare uses the older sense.)

physic (noun)

Medicine or medical treatment; the art or practice of healing.

pristine (adjective)

In its original, pure, or uncorrupted condition; restored to a state of health and soundness.

purgative (adjective)

A substance that cleanses or purifies, especially a medicine that causes evacuation of the bowels; used metaphorically for anything that removes corruption.

bane (noun)

A cause of death, ruin, or destruction; poison or a deadly affliction.