Chapter 18 - Vocabulary
arid (adj.): dry; without expression
chiffarobe (n.): a large cabinet with drawers and a place for hanging clothes. See a picture of a chiffarobe.
constructionalist (n.): a person who interprets aspects of the law in a specified way
dusk (n.): the time just before nightfall
ground-itch (n.): Ground-itch is caused by hookworms. The parasites usually enter the body through bare feet, causing an itchy, allergic reaction.
mollified (adj.): soothed; calmed
neutrality (n.): the condition of being neutral; not taking part in either side of a controversy.
perpetual (adj.): everlasting; continuous
pilgrimage (n.): in this instance, a long walk
strenuous (adj.): work or labor that is strenuous requires a lot of energy and stamina.
tedious (adj.): boring; tiresome
tollable (adj.): Mayella's way of pronouncing the word "tolerable." Someone who is tolerable is a person who is fairly good or passable; someone who can be tolerated or endured.
Chapter 19 - Vocabulary
candid (adj.): open and honest
ex cathdra remarks (adj. + n.): remarks made with the authority that comes from one's official position
express (adj.): clear; explicit; not just implied
expunge (vb.): remove completely
grimly (adv.): sternly; without humor
impudent (adj.): disrespectful; bold; sassy
thin-hided (adj.): thin-skinned; sensitive
unimpaired (adj.): unhurt; undamaged
volition (n.): will. Scout is saying that someone like Tom would never go into somebody's yard on his own or unless he had been invited to do so, and would never do so of his own will or volition.