The Crucible Vocabulary * Definitions are from Secondary Solutions

abomination an object of disgust, shame or dislike

conjured invoked unnatural or supernatural forces

contention disagreement; a claim made in debate

deference respect towards another’s opinion or interests

innate a quality or characteristic you are born with; something integral or important

licentious sexually immoral; lacking moral or ethical restraint

manifestation a sign; an indication of the existence of something

paradox a statement or situation which is contradictory

prodigious impressive in size or amount

vindictive purposely hurtful or hateful

ameliorate to improve or make better

avid eager for; dedicated to

blasphemy disrespect for God or other sacred things

crone a derogatory term referring to a woman’s age or appearance

flailing hitting or swinging violently

indignant annoyance or anger over an unfairness towards someone or something

pallor paleness in complexion

poppet a ragdoll

vengeance punishment in return for a wrongdoing

wily clever; deceitful

abundant an excess amount

auger a hand tool used to make holes

deposition a witness’s testimony given under oath

effrontery shameless or arrogant behavior

gait a way of walking, trotting like a horse

imperceptible unable to be perceived; tiny or insignificant

incredulously unbelievably

plaintiff a person who brings a lawsuit against another

vestry a room in a church where sacred objects are kept

wrath extreme anger; God’s punishment for sin

agape with mouth open in astonishment

beguile to charm or deceive

cleave to faithfully cling to

disputation a verbal disagreement; argument

excommunication exclusion from a church or group

gaunt excessively thin or withered

gibbet a hanging post; gallows

indictment a formal accusation before a jury

reprieve delay of punishment

sibilance a hissing sound