Beowulf Vocabulary Flashcards
scop
an Anglo-Saxon bard or poet
moored
to secure (a ship, boat, dirigible, etc.) in a particular place, as by cables and anchors or by lines
gables
decorative triangular-shaped roofing structures
wergild
money paid to the relatives of a murder victim in compensationfor loss and to prevent a blood feud
linden
soft light wood.
mead
a fermented beverage made of water and honey, malt, and yeast
vexed
irritated
gorges
eats greedily
sentinel
a soldier stationed as a guard to challenge all comers and prevent a surprise attack
talons
the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
sinews
a tendon
hoary
extremely old, gray or white with age
pyre
a pile of wood or other combustible materials used for burning a dead body (funeral rite)
hoard
to accumulate for preservation in a hidden or guarded place, carefully guarded supply
scabbard
sheath for a sword
runic
consisting or set down in an ancient alphabet used for writing Germanic script, most often used in Scandinavia and Britain from about 3rd to 13th century.
solace
to console or cheer
niggardly
reluctant to give or spend, stingy
skulked
move in stealthy manner
scruples
moral or ethical standard that acts as restraining force
fen
a marsh
fiend
evil spirit
minstrel
medieval poet or musician, a singe of songs, esp. the singers who memorized epics.
grovel
to “kow-tow” or bend down to someone out of fear or desire for attention.
puny
of less than normal size and strength; weak.
bounteous
plentiful, abundant, given with generosity.
clarion
loud and shrill
lair
a den or resting place of a wild animal
stupor
in a sleepy state due to an illicit drug or drink
tranquil
free from commotion or tumult; peaceful; quiet; calm
shackled
chained or prevented from moving.
torrent
a stream of water or blood flowing with great rapidity and violence.
plummet
to dive or fall quickly.
alliteration
LITERARY TERM- the repetition of initial identical consonant sounds or any vowel sounds in successive or closely words or syllables.
kenning
LITERARY TERM- a sterotypical figurative phrase used in Old English and other Germanic tongues as a synonym for a simple noun; often picturesque metaphorical compounds.
