The Crucible, Act 4 Spelling and Vocabulary

  1. presently – soon

  2. stench – nasty smell
  3. gaunt – very thin
  4. agape – being in a state of wonder

  5. strongbox – locked box for keeping valuables

  6. gibbet – gallows; an upright post with a projecting arm for hanging the bodies of executed criminals as a warning

  7. excommunication – exclusion from the rights of church membership

  8. conciliatory – eager to make peace, to reconcile

  9. beguile – deceive by guile; trick

  10. floundering – acting clumsily or ineffectively

  11. reprieve – to delay the punishment of

  12. retaliation  – vengeance; paying back an insult or injury with another insult or injury

  13. adamant  – unyielding; unshakable or immovable; stubbornly taking a position

  14. perfection – completion

  15. cleave – cling; to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly

  16. disputation –argument; verbal controversy; debate

  17. sibilance – a hissing sound

  18. tantalized – teased, fascinated