AP Lit: Huck Finn Vocab

ornery

ugly and unpleasant in temper or disposition

ambuscade

an ambush

highfalutin

pompous or pretentious

stanchion

an upright pole or post

nabob

a person of wealth and prominence

fantods

a state of nervous irritability

reticule

a drawstring handbag or purse

careen

to swerve while in motion

rapscallion

a rascal

tow-head

a sandbar in a river

infernal

of or relating to hell

decanter

a decorative bottle for serving wine or alcohol

pommel

the upper front part of a saddle

cavort

to romp or to prance

scow

a large flat-bottomed boat used for transporting freight

temperance

abstinence from alcohol

phrenology

the study of the skull to reveal character and mental capacity

dauphin

the eldest son of the king of France

dissipate

to separate into parts and disappear

histrionic

excessively dramatic

benefactor

one who gives aid, especially financial aid

imperative

necessary

sanctify

to make holy

doxology

an expression of praise to God

passel

a large quantity

obsequy

a funeral rite or ceremony

harrow

a farm implement used to even off plowed ground

sluice

an opening through which anything flows

audacious

unrestrained by convention or propriety

scutcheon

a shield bearing a coat of arms