The Crucible Acts I and II

calumny (n.)

The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.

defamation (n.)

The act of communicating false statements about a person that injure the reputation of that person.

vindictive (adj.)

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

pallor (n.)

an unhealthy, pale appearance

poppet (n.)

a small figure of a human being (doll), sometimes in sorcery and witchcraft.a

ameliorate (v.)

to make something (bad) better or improve a situation.

indignant (adj.)

feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

crone (n.)

a derogatory term for an old woman, often associated with witchcraft or evil.

sarcastically (adverb)

in a manner using irony to mock or convey contempt.

wily (adj.)

skilled at gaining an advantage, especially through deceit

flailing (v.)

Literally: to wave or swing wildly, often in a desperate manner.

Figuratively: making desperate attempts to respond to a challenge

daft (adj.)

silly or foolish; lacking sense

tainted (v.)

contaminated or made impure or polluted; affected with a bad or undesirable quality

quail (v.)

to show fear or apprehension; to recoil in dread or terror

lechery (n.)

excessive or inappropriate sexual desire; often associated with lustfulness and promiscuity; adultery

condemnation (n.)

the expression of very strong disapproval; punishment or strong censure

magistrate (n.)

a judge who administers the law, often in a lower court