ACT II - Scene IV — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT II - Scene IV

passado (noun)

A forward thrust in fencing, made by stepping forward with one foot.

pricksong (noun)

Written or printed music, as opposed to music played by ear; also, music sung from a score.

fantasticoes (noun)

Affected or extravagant people; those who put on airs or adopt fashionable mannerisms.

cheveril (noun)

Soft, flexible kid leather; used figuratively to describe something that stretches easily.

ell (noun)

A former measure of length, approximately 45 inches, used especially for cloth.

ropery (noun)

Roguish or vulgar behavior; rascality.

flirt-gills (noun)

Loose or flirtatious women; a derogatory term the Nurse uses to assert her respectability.

skains-mates (noun)

Disreputable companions; literally, dagger-fellows or cutthroat associates.

shrift (noun)

Confession to a priest, or the absolution received after confession.

topgallant (noun)

The platform or sail at the top of a ship's mast; used figuratively to mean the highest point.

convoy (noun)

A means of transport or conveyance; here, the means by which Romeo will reach Juliet.

sententious (adjective)

The Nurse's malapropism for "sentences" (witty sayings); she means Juliet has clever sayings about Romeo and rosemary.

counterfeit (noun)

A counterfeit coin; here used figuratively to mean a deceptive slip or escape.

lamentable (adjective)

Deserving of grief or regret; pitifully bad or unfortunate.