The Monkey's Paw" Vocabulary

apathy

a lack of interest in anything, or the absence of any wish to do something; indifference

audible

loud or clear enough to be heard

avert

to prevent something from occurring, especially something harmful

betoken

to be a sign that something exists or will happen

bibulous

tending to drink too much alcohol

bog

an area of wet marshy ground

broach

to introduce a subject for discussion, usually one that is awkward

condole

express sympathy to somebody who is experiencing grief, loss, or pain

credulity

the tendency to believe something too readily; gullibility

doughty

brave and determined; resolute

dubious

not sure about an outcome or conclusion; undecided

ere

before or earlier in time than (something else); previous to; rather than

fakir

A Hindu religious mendicant (beggar)�especially one who performs feats of magic or endurance

frivolous

lacking in intellectual substance and not worth serious consideration; silly or trivial

furtive

done in a way that is intended to escape notice; presenting a shifty appearance; secretive

fusillade

a rapid outburst in quick succession

interpose

to say something that interrupts what somebody else is saying; to intervene or interfere

malign

to have or to show a desire to cause harm or pain to others;
to criticize somebody or something in a spiteful and false or misleading way

presumptuous

inconsiderate, disrespectful, or overconfident�especially in doing something when not
entitled or qualified to do it

proffer

to hold something out to somebody so that s/he can take or grasp it;
to offer something for consideration

prosaic

lacking in imagination or spirit; straightforward

rubicund

rosy or reddish skin color or complexion; usually a sign of good health

talisman

an object believed to give magical powers to somebody who carries or wears it

visage

somebody's face or facial expression; the appearance or look of something

wont

accustomed or likely to do something; a habit or custom followed by a person or group