Glossary of Terms
apostolic: having been sent out on a mission
arduous: hard; difficult
conspicuous: easily seen
decorous: in keeping with society's norms
decrepit: in terrible condition
dilapidated: in broken-down condition
domestic: household; local
dotage: old age, with its mental troubles
edifice: a building; the scaffolding in the novel might count as a minor edifice
emoluments: benefits
eulogium: speech of praise
gules: red
indolent: lazy
infirmity: illness
languid: weak
laudable: praiseworthy
liberality: generosity
reprimand: disciplinary warning
sable: black
sagaciously: wisely
tempestuous: stormy
torpid: dull, sluggish, numb
truculency: defiance
venerable: august
vixenly: like a dangerous woman
ClassicNote on The Scarlet Letter
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