The Odyssey Vocab Unit

odyssseu

allusion

a reference to something outside the text

archetype

a recurring pattern, image, or symbol throughout multiple works

bard

a singer/storyteller/poet who told tales of epic heroes

dikē

justice, or revenge

en media res

an element of epic poetry in which the story starts in the middle and then has flashbacks to the beginning

epic simile

a simile that extends through several lines to intensify heroic stature

epithet

a phrase that defines a person, like a nickname

hubris

excessive pride

muse

the guiding spirit of the arts and sciences

omen

an event that tells the future

xenia

hospitality (xenos = stranger)

kleos

glory (especially after death)

pined

to miss and long for the return of (could also mean to suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart)

broach

to raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion

plundered

to steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder

lament

to mourn (a person’s loss or death)

pillage

goods or money obtained illegally

regaled

to lavishly supply (someone) with food or drink

harangued

to lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner

insidious

treacherous, crafty

numinous

having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity

pungent

having a sharply strong taste or smell

oblivion

the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening

distaff

a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning

chastise

to rebuke or reprimand severely

errant

straying from the proper course or standards

supplication

the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly

insolence

rude and disrespectful behavior

torrential

falling rapidly and in large quantities

brash

self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way

pensive

engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or sad, serious thought

ramparts

a defensive wall of a castle or walled city, having a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet/border

throng

a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals

guile

sly or cunning intelligence

contentiously

in a way that is causing or likely to cause an argument; controversially

profusion

an abundance or large quantity of something

victuals

food/drink or provisions

conspicuous

obvious to the eye or mind/standing out, attracting attention

beholden

being under obligation for a favor or gift, being indebted/owing thanks to someone

provender

food/victuals (dry feed for animals, but could also be used to describe normal food for humans)

blithely

of a happy light-hearted character or disposition, carefree (sometimes a carefree disregard for consideration/manner)

carrion

the decaying flesh of dead animals

consort

a wife, husband. or companion, in particular the spouse of a ruler or monarch

decorum

behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety, good etiquette

prudence

the quality of being cautious, the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

astern

behind the rear of a ship (or aircraft )

barrow

an ancient burial ground, a large mound of earth or stones over the remains of the dead

prodigious

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree; causing amazement or wonder

promontory

a point of high land that sticks out from a large body of water; a headland

disenthrall

to set free (from bondage)

wanes

to decrease, dwindle, to have less illumination (of the moon)

rapt

having been carried away bodily or transported to heaven, could also mean to be completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing

bastion

a part of a fortification (walls) that sticks outwards to allow defensive fire form more positions

libation

a drink poured out as an offering to a deity

mainstay

a person or thing on which something else is based or depends, a chief support

adornment

a thing that decorates or makes something else more attractive and beautiful, an ornament

palisade

a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed into the ground, forming an enclosure or defense

chattels

a personal possession, an item of property other than real estate (land/buildings)

felicity

intense happiness, the quality or state of being happy

benignly

of a gentle disposition, showing kindness/gentleness

accurst

under or subject to a curse; doomed - hateful, damned

imperious

assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering, commanding

stratagems

a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end

laden

heavily loaded or weighed down

deft

demonstrating skill and cleverness, neatly skillful and quick in one's movements

betrothed

engaged to be married (could also mean the person to whom one is engaged)

derelict

a person without a home, job, or property (could also mean in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect)

fawned

to show affection, used especially of a dog (could be also to court favor in a cringing or flattering manner)

parcel

to divide into parts, distribute (could also be to make a unit out of something, or the unit itself)

endowed

provide with a quality, ability, or asset

candor

the quality of being open and honest in expression, frankness

portent

a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen; an omen

quandary

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation, doubt

fodder

something fed to domestic animals, especially coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep

compunction

a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad

respite

a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

scrutiny

critical observation or examination

dire

(of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent, extreme

chide

to scold or rebuke

taut

 having no give or slack, tightly drawn; tense, high-strung

ravished

to seize and carry off (someone) by force

gall

bold and impudent behavior (could also be to irritate, vex)

augury

a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen

disrepute

the state of being held in low esteem by the public, shame

disconcerted

to be unsettled (or confused) about something

exulting

feeling or showing elation or jubilation, extremely joyful

glowered

have an angry or sullen look on one's face; scowl

malice

the intention or desire to do evil; ill will

implacable

not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated

lavished

to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on

mettle

the vigor and strength of spirit or nature of someone

foray

a sudden or irregular invasion or attack for war or spoils, a raid

vanquished

overcome or defeated in battle or in a conflict or contest

abyss

an immeasurably deep gulf or great space (could also specifically mean great space between people, great separation)

arbiter

a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter

embossed

ornamented with or having the form of a raised pattern, design, image, etc.; decorated with a design that stands out