Our Nig: Or, Sketches From the Life of a Free Black Glossary

Our Nig: Or, Sketches From the Life of a Free Black Glossary

mulatto

The offspring of one white parent and one black parent.

desolate

Isolated, abandoned and utterly bleak.

indentured

Contractually obligated and bound to a master.

calumny

Slanderous comments.

amalgamation

A consolidation of various elements into a unified whole.

infamy

A shameful act of wickedness.

epithet

A term of abuse hurled at the intended victim.

haughty

A pompous attitude of self-importance marked by condescension and disdain for others.

succor

Assistance, aid or support during difficult times when help is most needed.

peevish

Surly and short-tempered.

countenance

The expression on a person's face that indicates their emotional state or overall character.

dissuade

Reverse persuasion: talking somebody out of doing something.

massy

Monumental; prodigious; gargantuan.

precipitous

High and steep with an increased potential for danger.

pertness

A jaunty insolence; flippant disrespect.

tarry

To hesitate by dragging one's feet.

refinement

The state of being educated in the finer arts of decorum, etiquette and the unwritten rules of public behavior.

delinquencies

The absences and lapses attributable to one relative to the necessities of what is specifically required.

malignity

The evil or wickedness of a thing.

rectitude

Morally correct behavior; righteousness.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page