Huck Finn Vocab

Lath

A thin flat strip of wood, especially one of a series forming a foundation for the plaster of a wall or the tiles of a roof.

Skiff

A shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square stern.

Trot line

A fishing line with hooks attached at intervals that is used to catch fish in open water.

Quicksilver

Liable to sudden unpredictable change.

Reticule

A woman’s small handbag, originally netted and typically having a drawstring and decorated with embroidery or breeding.

Camp meeting

A religious meeting held in the open air or in a tent, often lasting several days.

Texas (not proper noun)

The upper part of a steamboat that contains the officer’s cabins.

Dauphin

Title for the heir of king of France.

Feud

A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute.

Ransack

To go hurriedly through (a place) stealing things and causing damage.

Languish

Lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble.

Slouch

A lazy, drooping posture or movement.

Confront

Meet (someone) face to face with hostile or argumentative intent.

Candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank

Sluice

A sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water.

Cravats

A short, wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.

Dainty

Delicately small and pretty

Petrified

So frightened that one is unable to move.

Insurrection

A violent uprising against an authority or government.

Addled

Unable to think clearly.

Desperados

A desperate or reckless person, especially a criminal.

Brash

Self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way.