The Color Purple Vocabulary

anitimacassar

a piece of ornamented cloth that protects the back of a chair from hair oils

applique

sew on as a decoration

brazen

unrestrained by convention or propriety

browbeat

courage or frightened with threats or a domineering manner

clabber

raw milk that has soured and thickened

corrugated

shaped into alternating parallel grooves and ridges

dote

shower with love; show excessive affection for

dunce

a stupid person

encroachment

entry to another's property without the right or permission

fornication

sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other

haggard

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

ostracism

the act of excluding someone from society by general consent

pallbearer

one of the mourners carrying the coffin at a funeral

paramount

having superior power and influence

parole

a conditional release from imprisonment

pomade

hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment

primp

dress or groom with elaborate care

pulpit

a platform raised to give prominence to the person on it

repugnance

intense disgust

seine

a fishing net which hangs vertically in the water with floats at the top and weights at the bottom edge, the ends being drawn together to encircle the fish

shingle

building material used as siding or roofing

staid

characterized by dignity and propriety

strumpet

a woman adulterer

stupendous

so great in size, force, or extent as to elicit awe

thimble

a small metal cap to protect the finger while sewing

ululation

a long, loud, emotional howl or cry

vouch

give personal assurance; guarantee