The Scarlet Letter Study Guide

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