ACT II - Scene III — Vocabulary
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from ACT II - Scene III
- osier (noun)
- A type of willow tree; here, a wicker basket made from willow branches.
- baleful (adjective)
- Threatening harm; menacing; destructive.
- mickle (adjective)
- Great; much; a large amount.
- divers (adjective)
- Various; of different kinds or sorts.
- canker (noun)
- A destructive disease or blight in plants; figuratively, a corrupting influence.
- distempered (adjective)
- Disordered; disturbed in mind or body; unwell.
- Benedicite (interjection)
- A Latin blessing meaning "Bless you" or "God bless you," used as an exclamation of surprise.
- physic (noun)
- Medicine or medical treatment; the art of healing.
- shrift (noun)
- Confession to a priest; absolution granted after confession.
- rancour (noun)
- Deep-seated bitterness or resentment; long-standing hatred.
- intercession (noun)
- The act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another person.
- brine (noun)
- Salt water; here used figuratively for tears.
- sallow (adjective)
- Having an unhealthy yellowish or pale complexion.
- predominant (adjective)
- Having the greatest power, influence, or importance; prevailing.
- ghostly (adjective)
- Spiritual; relating to the soul or the church. In Shakespeare's usage, a "ghostly father" means a spiritual father or confessor.