huck finn vocab 1

ornery

mean-spirited, disagreeable, and contrary in disposition

ambuscade

an ambush

highfalutin

pompous or pretentious

stanchion

an upright pole, post, or support

nabob

a person of wealth and prominence

fantods

a state of nervous irritability

reticule

a drawstring handbag or purse

careen

to lean to one side, as a ship sailing in the wind

rapscallion

a rascal

towhead

a sandbar or low-lying alluvial island in a river, especially one with a stand of trees

infernal

of or relating to hell

decanter

a decorative bottle for serving liquids, especially wine

ppommel

the upper front part of a saddle

cavort

to have lively or boisterous fun

scow

a large flat-bottom boat with square ends, used chiefly for transporting freight

temperance

restraint in the use of or abstinence from alcoholic liquors

phrenology

the study of the shape and protuberances of the skull, based on the now discredited belief that they reveal character and mental capacity

dauphin

the eldest son of the King of France and direct heir to the throne

dissipate

to separate into parts and disappear

histrionic

excessively dramatic or emotional

benefactor

one that gives aid, especially financial aid.

imperative

impossible to deter or evade

sanctify

to make holy

doxology

an expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service

passel

a large quantity or group

obsequy

a funeral rite or ceremony

harrow

a farm implement consisting of a heavy frame with sharp teeth or upright disks, used to break up and even off plowed ground

sluice

an artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow

audacious

unrestrained by convention or propriety

scutcheon

a shield or shield-shaped emblem bearing a coat of arms