The Crucible Vocab

Contention

An assertion, especially one maintained in an argument

Deference

Respect and esteem a superior or an elder

Innate

Belonging to the essential nature of something

Licentious

Marked by disregard for strict rules or correctness

Vindictive

Disposed to seek revenge

Ameliorate

To make better or more tolerable

Crone

A cruel or ugly old woman

Pallor

Deficiency or color especially of the face

Poppet

A small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft

Wily

Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully

Auger

A tool with a large helical bit for boring holes in the ground

Effrontery

Insolent or impertinent behavior

Incredulously

In a manner indicating disbelief

Vestry

A room or building attached to a church, used as an office and for changing into vestments

Beguile

Charm or enchant someone in a deceptive way

Gibbet

Gallows

Reprieve

Cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially someone condemned to death

Sibilance

A literary device where strongly emphasized hissing or hushing sounds are repeated throughout a sentence