Literature Vocabulary Review: Chapters Prologue-36

A comprehensive vocabulary list from the lecture notes covering key terms and definitions across seven chapter segments (Prologue through Chapter 36).

displacement

being moved from one place or position to another

reneged

went back on a promise or agreement

prophesied

predicted or foretold something

Commissary

a store that sells supplies, often in a military or prison setting

thwarted

prevented from succeeding

rancor

deep bitterness or resentment

anachronism

something out of its proper time period

opulent

rich, luxurious, expensive

impudent

disrespectfully bold or rude

appellations

names or titles

filched

stolen, usually in a sneaky way

insolently

rudely or disrespectfully

sobriquet

a nickname

illusory

not real; based on illusion

bombastic

overly showy or exaggerated in speech

vexed

annoyed or frustrated

infighting

conflict within a group

didoes

mischievous acts or tricks

reprobation

strong disapproval

droll

funny in a strange or dry way

admonished

warned or scolded gently

apprehensive

anxious or fearful about something

quandary

a state of confusion or uncertainty

abated

became less intense

flippant

disrespectfully casual or not serious

affliction

pain, suffering, or illness

sullenness

gloomy silence or bad temper

morose

very sad or gloomy

countenance

a person’s face or facial expression

incessantly

continuously without stopping

revelry

noisy celebration or partying

inscrutable

hard to understand or interpret

accrued

accumulated over time

frivolity

lack of seriousness; silliness

blasphemous

disrespectful toward religion or sacred things

rakish

stylish in a bold or slightly improper way

resolute

determined and firm

comeuppance

deserved punishment or consequences

pariahs

outcasts rejected by society

ecumenical

promoting unity among different groups, especially religions

placatingly

in a way meant to calm or satisfy someone

onerous

difficult or burdensome

dirge

a mournful song, especially for the dead

dais

a raised platform or stage

perfunctory

done with little effort or care

impertinence

rudeness or disrespect

elocution

clear and expressive speaking

contemptuous

showing scorn or disrespect

retributive

intended as punishment or revenge

enigma

a mystery or puzzle

blithe

cheerful and carefree

impel

to force or urge someone to act

gauche

awkward or lacking social skills

marauding

roaming around looking to steal or attack

repositories

places where things are stored

florid

very elaborate or flowery in style

colloquial

informal or conversational language

bourgeoisie

the middle class

approbation

praise or approval

winsomely

in a charming or appealing manner

filial

relating to a son or daughter

bedizened

decorated in a flashy or excessive way

magnanimous

generous and forgiving

blasé

unimpressive because of overfamiliarity

obeisance

a gesture showing respect or submission

vestige

a small remaining part of something

indignation

anger caused by unfair treatment

supercilious

acting arrogantly superior

tripartite

divided into three parts

unscrupulous

dishonest or lacking moral principles