Vocabulary



A medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour. A musician, singer, or poet. One of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs, jokes, etc.
 * Word**: Minstrel Pg. 4
 * In Context:** He know that when he returned to the firehouse, he might wink at himself, a **minstrel** man, burnt corked, in the mirror.
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(n)//

**Word**: Tamped Pg. 14 To pack down tightly by a succession of blows or taps. To pack clay, sand, or dirt into (a drill hole) above an explosive.
 * In Context:** "There was only the singing of the thimble-wasps in her **tamped**-shut ears, and her eyes all glass, and breath going in and out, softly, faintly..."
 * Dictionary Definition:**

**Word**: Contrasedative Pg. 16
 * In Context**: We got a **contrasedative** in her.
 * Dictionary Definition:** An agent or a drug that has an exciting, stimulating, anxiety or stressful effect on the person.



 Natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition
 * Word**: Proclivities Pg. 35
 * In Context**: Were all firemen picked then for their looks as well as their **proclivities**?
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(n) (plural)//

**Word:** Fathom Pg. 45 To measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound. To penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand
 * In Context:** ...her eyes wide and staring at the **fathoms** of blackness above her in the ceiling.
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(v)//

**Word:** Intuitively Pg. 90 Perceiving by intuition, as a person or the mind. Perceived by, resulting from, or involving intuition Capable of being perceived or known by intuition.
 * In Context:** You are **intuitively** right, that's what counts.
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(adv)//

Delicate ornamental work of fine silver, gold, or other metal wires, //(adj)// Composed of or resembling filigree. //(v)// To adorn with or form into filigree.
 * Word:** Filigree Pg. 112
 * In Context:** It was good listening to the beetle hum, the sleepy mosquito buss and delicate **filigree** murmur of the old man's voice...
 * Dictionary Definition**: //(n)//

 Pretentious or unintelligible language
 * Word:** Gobbledegook Pg.125
 * In Context:** Scientist give us **gobbledegook** about friction and molecules.
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(n)//



 Wth unflagging resolve Without interruption
 * Word:** Incessantly
 * In Context:** Silently, Granger arose, felt of his arms and legs,swearing, swearing **incessantly** under his breath...
 * Dictionary Definition:** //(adv)//