Flashcards Vocabulary Definitions: Literature and General English Terms

Memoir

a historical account or biography

Non-fiction

true and factual

Inquiry

question (make an inquiry)

Impertinent

sassy

Hinder

delay or obstruct

Sloop

single-mast sailboat

Coarse

rough

Obdurate

stubborn

Halting

slow and hesitant

Esteemed

admired

Cultivated

grow (as in plants)

Virtue

moral excellence

Vice

moral failing (bad habit)

Maxim

general truth

Quarrel

to argue

Debase

reduce in quality

Artful

clever in a tricky way

Dread

anticipate with fear

Leisure

free time for enjoyment

Trough

food container for animals

Earnest

sincere

Imposing

impressive in appearance

Providence

protective care of God

Resided

lived

Atrocious

horrifyingly wicked

Infernal

relating to hell

Commenced

started

Opposition

resistance

Stratagem

a plan or scheme

Chattel

property

Divest

take away someone's power or rights

Ceasing

come to an end; stop

Unabated

no reduction in intensity

Disposal

get rid of

Apprehension

feeling of being worried

Matron

a married woman, older woman

Kindred

family or somehow related

Hearth

area in front of a fireplace