Act II - Scene II Caesar's House. Thunder and Lightning — Vocabulary
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Act II - Scene II Caesar's House. Thunder and Lightning
- augurers
- Roman religious officials who interpreted omens (such as the entrails of sacrificed animals) to predict future events and advise on public affairs.
- murther
- An archaic spelling and pronunciation of "murder."
- whelped
- Gave birth (used specifically for animals such as dogs, wolves, or lions).
- hurtled
- Clashed or resounded violently (archaic sense; in modern usage, to move with great speed).
- ceremonies
- In this context, omens, portents, or superstitious signs — not formal rituals.
- purposed
- Determined, intended, or decreed — suggesting divine or fated intention.
- valiant
- Possessing or showing courage and determination; brave.
- portents
- Signs or warnings that something momentous or calamitous is about to happen.
- imminent
- About to happen; impending.
- tinctures
- Heraldic colors or dyes; also medicinal solutions. Here used metaphorically for objects of reverence derived from Caesar.
- cognizance
- A heraldic emblem or badge worn as a sign of allegiance; also means awareness or knowledge.
- litter'd
- Born in the same litter (group of animals born at one time to the same mother).
- consumed
- Destroyed or overwhelmed; in this context, devoured or overtaken.
- humor
- A person's mood, inclination, or whim (archaic sense, related to the four humors of medieval medicine).
- ague
- A fever with alternating bouts of chills and sweating, often associated with malaria.
- render'd
- Given, offered, or expressed (archaic past tense of "render").