"The Black Cat" Vocabulary Definitions

1. Solicit: (V) -to seek for (something) by earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.
   
   
2. Mad: (Adj) -mentally disturbed; deranged; insane; demented.
   
   
3. Succinct: (Adj) -expressed in few words; concise; terse.
   
   
4. Phantasm: (N) -an illusory likeness of something.
   
   
5. Docile: (Adj) -easily managed or handled.
   
   
6. Disposition: (N) -the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude.
   
   
7. Sagacious: (Adj) -having or showing keen discernment, and sound judgment.
   
   
8. Paltry: (Adj) -lacking in importance or worth; trivial.
   
   
9. Gossamer: (N) -something delicate, light, or flimsy.
   
   
10. Fidelity: (N) -faithfulness to obligations, duties, or observances.
    
    
11. Procure: (V) -to get by special effort; obtain or acquire.
    
    
12. Allusion: (N) -the act of alluding; indirect reference:
    
    
13. Intemperance: (N) -excessive use of alcoholic beverages.
    
    
14. Maltreat: (V) -to treat in a rough or cruel way; abuse.
    
    
15. Scruple: (N) -a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.
    
    
16. Malevolence: (N) -ill will; malice; hatred.
    
    
17. Atrocity: (N) -the quality of being extremely or shockingly wicked, cruel, or brutal.
    
    
18. Debauch: (N) -a period of wanton self-indulgence, an excessive party which includes consumption of alcohol.
    
    
19. Sentiment: (N) -a mental feeling; emotion.
    
    
20. Remorse: (N) -deep and painful regret for wrongdoing.
    
    
21. Equivocal: (Adj) -allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, esp. with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous.
    
    
22. Consummate: (Adj) -complete, highest or most extreme degree.
    
    
23. Conflagration: (N) -a destructive fire, usually an extensive one.
    
    
24. Bas-relief: (N) -relief sculpture in which the figures project slightly from the background.
    
    
25. Conscience: (N) -the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action.
    
    
26. Infamy: (N) -extremely bad reputation, public reproach, or strong condemnation as the result of a shameful, criminal, or outrageous act.
    
    
27. Hogshead: (N) -a large cask, esp. one containing from 63 to 140 gallons.
    
    
28. Pestilence: (N) -something that is considered harmful, destructive, or evil.
    
    
29. Pertinacity: (N) -the quality of being stubborn or obstinate.
    
    
30. Gallows: (N) -a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.
    
    
31. Succumb: (V) -to give way to superior force; yield.
    
    
32. Goad: (V) -to encourage, urge, or drive, or stimulate.
    
    
33. In vain: (Adj) -without effect or avail; to no purpose.
    
    
34. Felicity: (N) -the state of being happy, esp. in a high degree; bliss.
    
    
35. Exult: (V) -to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant.
    
    
36. Folly: (N) -the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense.
    
    
37. Consign: (V) -to transfer to another's custody or charge; entrust.

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