The Vicar of Wakefield

The Vicar of Wakefield Glossary

acrimony

sharpness and bitterness of words or behavior

alacrity

cheerful promptness and eagerness

approbation

approval

asperse

to spread cruel rumors

bulwark

strong support or protection

concatenation

a linking together of separate things

consummate

skilled and accomplished; perfect

curate

a member of the clergy engaged as assistant to a vicar, rector, or parish priest

debauchery

sinful or sensuous behavior

dexterity

mental skill and swiftness

disparagement

the act of degrading or lowering someone in esteem

dross

waste; useless things

emoluments

returns from employment, such as compensation

encomiums

lavish praises

execrations

curses

extricate

to remove

improvident

not looking ahead to the future

obviate

to prevent or make unnecessary

odious

distasteful; deserving of hatred

prolocuter

a spokesman

raillery

good-natured jesting or badinage

refractory

stubborn; not easily managed

ruminating

thinking deeply

sagacity

keenness; possession of good judgment

vicar

a representative or deputy of a bishop; a local priest

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