The Scarlett Letter - Vocab Packet 1

ignominy

public shame or disgrace

tremulous

shaking or quivering, often from fear or weakness

malefactor

a person who commits a crime or does evil

physiognomy

facial features, especially as thought to reveal character

vicissitude

a change of circumstance, especially an unwelcome one

pertinacity

stubborn persistence

sagacious

showing keen judgement or wisdom

vindictive

driven by a desire for revenge

countenance

a person’s face or facial expression

austere

severe, stern, or without adornment

antipathy

a deep-seated feeling of dislike

contumely

insolent or insulting language and treatment

somber

dark, gloomy, or grave in mood