Huckleberry Finn Vocab Chapters 17-28

histrionic

characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected

contrite

feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses

spry

moving quickly and lightly

adage

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact or experience that is taken as true by many people

wince

draw back, as with fear or pain

outlandish

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

awry

turned or twisted to one side

degrade

reduce in worth or character, usually verbally

cipher

a secret method of writing; to compute arithmetically

consecutive

one after the other

pensive

deeply or seriously thoughtful

mire

a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot

rousing

capable of arousing enthusiasm or excitement

pry

be nosey

premature

too soon or too hasty

valid

well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force

benefactor

a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)

impair

make worse or less effective

aristocracy

a privileged class holding hereditary titles

hoist

raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

sublime

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

pious

having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity

mar

make imperfect

tribute

something given or done as an expression of esteem

splendid

characterized by grandeur