Twelfth Night Vocabulary

feigned

simulated or pretended; insincere

revels

lively and noisy enjoyment, especially with drinking and dancing

rogue

a dishonest or unprincipled person; a scoundrel

abjure

to renounce or reject a belief or cause formally

surfeit

an excessive amount of something, often leading to excess or overindulgence

malady

a disease or ailment

mirth

joyfulness or amusement, often expressed through laughter

churlish

rude or meanspirited behavior, often disregarding social niceties

bounteous

generously giving or abundant; bountiful

clamorous

characterized by loud and confused noise, often expressing demands or complaints

prithee

an archaic term meaning "I pray thee" or "please”

recompense

to make amends or compensation for a loss or injury

disdain

the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt

usurp

to seize and hold a position of power or importance unlawfully or by force

epistles

letters or written communications, often formal or didactic in nature

shrew

a bad-tempered or aggressive woman; often characterized by harshness or nagging demeanor

sanctity

the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly

galliard

a lively dance popular in the Renaissance, characterized by vigorous leaps and intricate footwork

jest

a playful or humorous act or remark; often used in a lighthearted context

folly

lack of good sense or understanding; foolishness