Taras Bulba Glossary

Taras Bulba Glossary

dismount

alight from a horse, bicycle, or other thing that one is riding

stalwart

loyal, reliable, and hardworking

lout

an uncouth or aggressive man or boy

piteous

deserving or arousing pity

bandura

Ukrainian string instrument

skirmish

an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets

doughty

archaic, humorous brave and persistent

capacious

having a lot of space inside; roomy

stallion

an uncastrated adult male horse

deuce

a thing representing, or represented by, the number two, in particular

flog

beat someone with a whip or stick as punishment or torture

meddle

interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern

fondle

stroke or caress lovingly

carouse

drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way

besiege

surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender

conflagration

an extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property

steppe

a large area of flat unforested grassland in southeastern Europe

feeble

lacking physical strength

propensity for

an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

hetman

a Polish or Cossack military commander

Cossack

a member of a people of southern Russia, Ukraine, noted for their horsemanship and military skill

dire

extremely serious or urgent

turbulent

characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion, not controlled or calm

unsheathe

draw or pull out (a knife, sword, or similar weapon) from its sheath or covering

obstinate

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action

fatigue

extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness

valorous

brave

neigh

a characteristic high-pitched sound uttered by a horse

athwart

from side to side of; across

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