WSS Vocabulary Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards from the reading assignments covering definitions and examples.

ferociously

In a savagely fierce, cruel, or violent manner.

quavered

(Of a person's voice) to shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.

patois

A regional dialect of a language, particularly a mixture of French and African languages spoken in the Caribbean.

pestered

Troubled or annoyed with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.

curs

Aggressive or unfriendly dogs; often used to describe a base or cowardly person.

obeah

A system of spiritual and healing practices used in the Caribbean, often involving folk magic and charms.

enmity

The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

cutlass

A short sword with a slightly curved blade, used as both a weapon and a tool for cutting vegetation.

daubed

To smear or coat a surface with a thick or sticky substance.

coiffure

A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.

perfunctory

Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; performed merely as a routine duty.

chastity

The state or practice of refraining from sexual intercourse, often for religious or moral reasons.

cask

A large barrel-like container made of wood or metal, used for storing liquids.

impeccable

Faultless; in accordance with the highest standards of propriety or appearance.

perpetual

Never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly so as to seem endless.

dismay

Consternation and distress, typically caused by something unexpected.

porters

People employed to carry luggage and other loads, especially in a railroad station, airport, or hotel.

sacking

A coarse material, such as hemp or jute, used for making sacks.

interminable

Endless (often used hyperbolically).

gesticulating

Using gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.

sombre

Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy.

furtive

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.

meekly

In a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.

reprobate

An unprincipled, wicked, or shameless person.

precipice

A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a very tall one.

cypher

To perform mathematical calculations; to do arithmetic.

obstinately

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.

propitiated

To win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them.

credulous

Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.

soucriant

A vampire-like being in Caribbean folklore that sucks the blood of its victims at night.

veranda

A roofed, open-air gallery or porch attached to the outside of a building.

haughty

Arrogantly superior and disdainful.

pestering

Troubling or annoying someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.

infamous

Well known for some bad quality or deed; wicked.

hostile

Unfriendly; antagonistic.

disastrous

Causing great damage or misfortune; highly unsuccessful.

distorted

Pulled or twisted out of shape; misrepresented.

persisted

Continued to exist or endure over a prolonged period.

abominable

Causing moral revulsion; very bad or unpleasant.

peculiar

Strange or odd; unusual.