ACT V - Scene VII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT V - Scene VII

Course (noun)

In bear-baiting, a single round or bout in which dogs are set upon the chained bear; by extension, a round of combat that must be endured.

Kerns (noun)

Lightly armed Irish or Scottish foot soldiers, often hired as mercenaries. Used dismissively to describe low-ranking troops of little military worth.

Staves (noun)

Long wooden poles or staffs used as weapons by foot soldiers; a less prestigious weapon than a sword.

Undeeded (adjective)

Having performed no deed; unused in any significant action. A word Shakespeare may have coined for this passage.

Unbattered (adjective)

Not battered or damaged; still in pristine condition from lack of use in combat.

Bruited (verb (past participle))

Reported or rumored; spread abroad by noise or reputation. From the French "bruit" meaning noise.

Rendered (verb (past participle))

Surrendered or yielded up, especially a fortified position given over to an enemy without a fight.

Thanes (noun)

Scottish feudal lords who held land from the king in return for military service, equivalent to barons in the English system.

Brandished (verb (past participle))

Waved or flourished a weapon in a threatening or triumphant manner.

Abhorred (adjective)

Regarded with intense hatred and disgust; detested utterly.

Professes (verb)

Declares or claims openly; here meaning the day itself announces or proclaims victory for Malcolm's side.

Alarums (noun)

Stage directions indicating the sounds of battle—trumpet calls, drums, and the clash of weapons—used to create the atmosphere of warfare.