Beowulf Vocabulary
Vocabulary words extracted from the text of Beowulf
Terms
undefined, object
copy deck
- fetters
- chains or shackels for the ankles or feet; something that serves to restrict or restrain
- plough
- chiefly British variant of plow; an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil especially in preparing a seedbed
- mettle
- courage and fortitude; spirit
- undaunted
- Not discouraged or disheartened; resolutely courageous
- bulwark
- something serving as a defense or safeguard
- bestow
-
1 : to put to use : apply
2 : to put in a particular or appropriate place : stow 3 : to provide with quarters : put up 4 : to convey as a gift —usually used with on or upon - oppression
- the act of subjugating by cruelty; a feeling of being heavily weighed down in mind or body
- chafe
- to irritate or vex; to rub so as to wear away;
- fen
- low, flat, swampy land; a bog or marsh
- assailant
- one who attacks violently with blows or words
- pyre
- a heap of combustibles for burning a corpse as a funeral rite
- quail
- to draw back, as with fear or pain; flinch or cringe
- disparage
- To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle
- mead
- a fermented beverage made of water and honey, malt, and yeast
- prosper
- 1: to succeed in an enterprise or activity; especially : to achieve economic success 2: to become strong and flourishing
- belie
- 1 a: to give a false impression of b: to present an appearance not in agreement with 2 a: to show (something) to be false or wrong b: to run counter to : contradict
- tribute
-
1: a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection 2 a: something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved; especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection b: something (as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question
- pliant
- easily bent or flexible; pliable
- lament
- to express grief, sorrow, or regret
- harrow
- archaic: to plunder or sack; modern: a farm implement for plowing; to inflice great distress or torment on
- hasp
- A metal fastener with a hinged slotted part that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin, bolt, or padlock
- dwindle
- to become gradually less until little remains
- prow
- 1 : the bow of a ship : stem 2 : a pointed projecting front part
- accoutrement
-
1 a: equipment, trappings; specifically : a soldier's outfit usually not including clothes and weapons —usually used in plural b: an accessory item of clothing or equipment —usually used in plural 2: an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device —usually used in plural
- insatiable
- impossible to satiate or satisfy
- flourish
-
1: to grow luxuriantly; thrive 2 a: to achieve success : prosper b: to be in a state of activity or production
c: to reach a height of development or influence 3: to make bold and sweeping gestures - invidious
- tending to rouse ill will or animosity
- blithe
- Carefree and lighthearted; showing a lack of due concern
- foe
- 1: one who has personal enmity for another 2 a: an enemy in war b: adversary, opponent
- lament
- 1 : to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for-- often demonstratively : mourn 2 : to regret strongly
- parlay
- stake winnings from one bet on a subsequent wager
- ample
- Of large or great size, amount, extent, or capacity; more than enough
- affliction
- the cause of persistent pain or distress ; great suffering
- intricate
- having many complexly arranged elements
- canny
- showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
- flagging
- declining; weakening
- venture
- an undertaking that is dangerous, daring or of uncertain outcome; a business enterprise involving some risk in the expectation of gain
- repertory
- A place, such as a storehouse, where a stock of things is kept; a repository
- grisly
- inspiring repugnance; gruesome
- loathsome
- highly offensive, arousing aversion or disgust
- reconnoiter
- to make a preliminary inspection of
- incensed
- to be extremely angry or infuriated at something unjust or wrong
- patriarch
- 1 a: one of the scriptural fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people b: a man who is father or founder c (1): the oldest member or representative of a group (2): a venerable old man d: a man who is head of a patriarchy
- intransigent
- uncompromising; refusing to moderate a position, especially an extreme one
- reparation
- The act or process of making amends or repair
- demur
- to voice opposition or object
- embelllish
- to make beautiful as by ornamentation; decorate: or to add ornamental or fictitious details to
- prowess
- superior skill or ability
- elicit
- to bring out or draw forth
- wield
- to handle with skill and ease, often a tool or weapon
- ogress
- a female giant who likes to eat humans
- wield
-
1: to deal successfully with : manage 2: to handle (as a tool) especially effectively
3 a: to exert one's authority by means of b: have at one's command or disposal - unscathed
- wholly unharmed, not injured
- dissuade
- to turn away from, by persuation
- pallet
- 1 : a straw-filled tick or mattress 2 : a small, hard, or temporary bed
- gluttonous
- given to excess in consumption, especially of food or drink; indulging in something to excess
- glut
- 1 : to fill especially with food to satiety 2 : to flood (the market) with goods so that supply exceeds demand
- encroach
-
1 : to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another 2 : to advance beyond the usual or proper limits
- thane
- A freeman granted land by the king in return for military service in Anglo-Saxon England
- omen
- an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event : augury
- fealty
- the fidelity owed by a vassal to his feudal lord; faithfulness or allegiance
- bower
- a shaded, leafy recess, an arbor; a rustic cottage or retreat
- atheling
- an Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman; especially : the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family
- bolster
- to support or prop up; to bouy up or hearten
- hoard
- (n) a supply or fund stored up and often hidden away (v) 1: to lay up a hoard of 2 : to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneself
- gaff
- a large iron hook for landing large fish; slang - a trick or gimmick
- baleful
- Portending evil; ominous