Crime and Punishment: Part 5

Trousseau n

the possessions, such as clothing & linens, that a bride assembles for her marriage.

Frill n

Something costly and unnecessary: luxury

Ascertain v

to find out for certain; to make sure of

Ingratiate v

To gain favor by deliberate effort (often used with 'with')

Scrofulous adj

having a diseased run-down appearance; to be morally contaminated

Rivet v

to hold attention tightly, as if physically attached

Lorgnette n

eyeglasses with a handle

Decorous adj

proper; tasteful; socially correct

Gubernatorial adj

pertaining to a governor

Frump n

an unattractive woman who wears unfashionable clothes

Slattern n

a dirty, untidy woman; prostitute; a promiscuous woman

Proliferate v

to reproduce, increase, or spread rapidly

Importune v

to ask or to beg with troublesome persistence

Skirmish n

A minor dispute or battle

Repudiate v

to disown, reject, or deny the validity of

Canting adj

affectedly pious or righteous

Surreptitious adj

secret, stealthy

Aspersion n

a damaging or derogatory statement: defamation; a sprinkling of holy water

Wraith n

a ghostly apparition, specter; a shadow

Steeple n

a tall structure usually with a spire atop a church

Louse n

singular of lice; (slang) a good-for-nothing person

Drivel n

silly nonsense; (archaic usage) drool

Knave n

a tricky deceitful fellow; (archaic usage) a male servant

Pincer n

A tong

Tempest n

A violent storm; a tumult, uproar

Aggrieved adj

Troubled or distressed in spirit

Mantilla n

A short cape worn by women

Tubercle n

A small abnormal lump in an organ or skin pertaining to tuberculosis

Placate v

to appease, soothe, pacify

Dunce n

a dull-witted or stupid person

Dint n

force, power; because of