Cask of Amontillado Vocab

cask

A large wooden barrel, typically used for wine.

amontillado

A wine from Spain; a pale kind of sherry.

borne

Past tense of 'bear,' which means to tolerate or carry.

avenge

To get revenge for; to punish an injuring party or wrongdoer.

preclude

To prevent; to hinder, block or impede.

impunity

Freedom from punishment, harm, or loss.

redress

To make right; remedy or rectify; make amends for.

retribution

Punishment imposed on a wrongdoer for repayment or revenge.

immolation

Killing or offering as a sacrifice; to set oneself on fire.

connoisseur

A person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts.

imposture

Fraud; trickery; deception under a false or assumed character.

accost

To approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with a demand or request.

abscond

To depart secretly; withdraw and hide oneself.

catacombs

Underground cemetery in tunnels with chambers or recesses for graves.

gait

The speed or manner of moving on foot.

orb

A sphere or spherical object.

rheum

A watery or thin mucous discharge from the eyes or nose.

repose

The act of resting or the state of being at rest.

gesticulate

To make gestures especially while speaking, for emphasis.

grotesque

Abnormal and hideous; distorted and unnatural in shape or size.

trowel

A tool with a flat, pointed blade used to level and spread cement or mortar.

recoil

To shrink back, as in fear or extreme dislike; to spring back, as in firing a gun.

circumscribe

To encircle; define the boundaries of.

termination

End or limit of something; conclusion.

niche

A hollow area in a wall for holding a statue or urn; a crevice or recess.

fetter

To restrict the freedom of with chains; (noun) a chain or shackle for the ankles.

implore

To beg for urgently; beseech.

hearken

To listen attentively.

aperture

Opening; gap; slit.