Measure for Measure: Claudio and Isabella Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining the archaic expressions, figurative terms, and key metaphors used in the prison confrontation between Claudio and Isabella in Measure for Measure.

Everlasting leiger

A permanent resident ambassador, used by Isabella to characterize Claudio's imminent arrival in heaven upon his execution.

Perpetual durance

Endless imprisonment or lifelong restraint to a determined scope, which would spare life only to fetter it until death.

Vastidity

Vastness or immense extent, used to refer to having the total expanse of the world.

Corporal sufferance

Bodily pain or physical suffering, described as yielding a pang in a trodden beetle as great as when a giant dies.

Apprehension

Mental anticipation or dread, in which the greatest sense of death is found.

Enew

To drive quarry into cover or water, used to describe how Angelo curbs follies like a falcon pursuing fowl.

Prenzie

Outwardly prim, demure, or seemingly saintly, describing Angelo and the cunning livery of hell used to disguise corruption.

Perdurably fined

Perpetually or eternally penalized and damned, as in receiving everlasting punishment for a momentary trick.

Cold obstruction

The rigid, stagnant, and motionless state of physical death and bodily decay in the earth.

Kneaded clod

A compacted mass of clay or earth, which Claudio fears his sensible warm living body will become after death.

Pendent world

The suspended globe or hanging earth around which Claudio fears being blown by viewless winds.

Warpèd slip of wilderness

A corrupted, degenerate offshoot or wild cutting, used by Isabella to denounce Claudio as an unnatural son.

Bawd

A procurer or facilitator of illicit sin, which Isabella asserts mercy would become if granted to Claudio's habitual offense.

Everlasting leiger

A permanent or resident ambassador, referring to Claudio's impending eternal stay in heaven after death.

Perpetual durance

Lifelong imprisonment or unending confinement to a restricted, determined scope.

Vastidity

Immensity or boundless expanse, describing the entire breadth of the world.

Corporal sufferance

Physical suffering or bodily agony, described as being as great in a crushed beetle as in a dying giant.

Outward-sainted deputy

A description of Lord Angelo denoting his external show of holiness and severe gravity that conceals internal corruption.

Prenzie

Outwardly prim, demure, or puritanical, used to characterize Angelo and the deceptive livery that cloaks hellish evil.

Bite the law by th’ nose

To brazenly flout, defy, or treat the law with insolent contempt while claiming to enforce it.

Perdurably fined

Eternally or endlessly punished and damned.

Cold obstruction

The cold, heavy stillness and physical cessation of life and decay in the grave.

Kneaded clod

A compacted lump of moist earth or clay into which the living, sensible warm body dissolves after death.

Pendent world

The suspended or hanging globe of the Earth.

Warpèd slip of wilderness

A deformed, wild plant cutting or degenerate offshoot, used by Isabella to denounce Claudio for abandoning their father's noble nature.

Sin as a trade

A settled, habitual practice or deliberate profession of vice, rather than a momentary or accidental lapse.