Act V - Scene I The Plains of Phillipi — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Act V - Scene I The Plains of Phillipi

exigent

An urgent or critical situation requiring immediate action.

parley

A conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially to discuss terms.

Hybla

A region in ancient Sicily famous for the quality of its honey.

ensign

A military standard or banner carried as a symbol of a unit.

presage

To be a sign or warning that something, typically something bad, will happen.

Epicurus

A Greek philosopher whose followers believed the gods did not intervene in human affairs and that omens were meaningless.

kites

Birds of prey in the hawk family, often associated with scavenging and death in Elizabethan literature.

canopy

An overhead covering or shelter; here used metaphorically for the shadow of circling birds.

peevish

Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

gallant

Brave, spirited, or impressively grand in appearance.

bondmen

Slaves or serfs bound in service to a master.

consorted

Accompanied or kept company with.

constantly

In Elizabethan usage: with firmness, resolution, and steadfastness (not ‘continuously’).

stomachs

In Elizabethan usage: courage, appetite for battle, or inclination to fight.