The Crucible, Act 2 Vocabulary

avidly—If someone does something avidly, they do it in a very enthusiastic or eager way. 

            I avidly listen to my favorite songs as soon as I get home from school.

blasphemy—You can describe something that shows disrespect for God or a religion as blasphemy.   

            He was found guilty of blasphemy and was put in the stocks for three weeks.

gingerly—If you do something gingerly, you do it in a careful manner, usually because you expect it to be dangerous, unpleasant or painful.

            I walked gingerly around the pieces of broken glass.

lechery—Lechery is the behavior of men who are only interested in women sexually.

            His lechery made him the enemy of every husband and father in the county.

poppet—A poppet is a doll, usually stuffed.

            Elizabeth Proctor was given a poppet that would prove to be a problem.  

quail—If someone or something makes you quail, they make you feel afraid, often so that you hesitate.

            The very thought of tests makes me quail.

solemn—Someone or something that is solemn is very serious rather than cheerful or humorous.   

            You could not get his solemn face to break into a smile.  

theology—Theology is the study of the nature of God and of religion and religious beliefs.   

            He went to college and decided to study theology.