Analysis Pages

Vocabulary in Wuthering Heights

Vocabulary Examples in Wuthering Heights:

Chapter I

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"Wuthering..."   (Chapter I)

Wuthering in the dialect of Yorkshire is a derivative of the Scots word for whithering, defined as the rushing and blustering of wind and the noise it makes.

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"go to the deuce..."   (Chapter I)

The phrase “go to the deuce" is an obscene way for someone to tell another to “go to the devil."

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"grotesque..."   (Chapter I)

The word "grotesque" refers to a style of art that is characterized by the mixing of monstrous animal figures with human characteristics. This style distorts the natural into a caricature of morbidity and ugliness.

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"griffins..."   (Chapter I)

The word "griffins" refers to mythical creatures with the body and legs of a lion and the head, wings, and talons of an eagle.

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"gaiters..."   (Chapter I)

The word "gaiters" refers to the leather leg coverings that reach either above the ankle or to the middle of the calf.

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"matronly..."   (Chapter II)

The word "matronly" refers to a woman who is well-respected, dignified, and holds social distinction.

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"coal-scuttles..."   (Chapter II)

The word "coal-scuttles" refers to containers placed beside an indoor coal-fired stove to easily pour coals onto a fire.

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"hallooed..."   (Chapter II)

The verb "to halloo" or "to holler" means to shout or cry out to grab someone's attention.

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"amiable..."   (Chapter II)

The adjective "amiable" means friendly. However, in this context, the word is used sarcastically.

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"moors..."   (Chapter II)

The word "moor" refers to a large expanse of boggy, infertile land.

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"vagabond..."   (Chapter III)

The word "vagabond" refers to a a vagrant or wanderer who travels from one place to another without a fixed home.

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"embalming..."   (Chapter III)

The word "embalming" refers to the process of protecting a dead body from decay.

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"Brethren..."   (Chapter III)

The word "brethren," which is plural for brother, is often used when referring to members of a congregation.

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"lattice..."   (Chapter III)

The word "lattice" refers to a framework of wood and metal strips that covers a pane of glass.

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"changeling..."   (Chapter III)

The word "changeling" refers to a child who secretly replaces another during infancy.

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"brindled..."   (Chapter III)

The word "brindled" means light brown with spots of darker colors.

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"quarries..."   (Chapter III)

The word "quarries" refers to open excavation sites used to find stone and slate.

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"hieroglyphics..."   (Chapter III)

The word "hieroglyphics" refers to a written system that employs pictorial characters and is often difficult to decipher.

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"homily..."   (Chapter III)

The word "homily" refers to a short religious sermon that explains how individuals ought to behave.

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"WEATHER-COCKS..."   (Chapter IV)

The word "weathercocks" has two definitions: first, it describes the vanes mounted on roofs that demonstrate the wind's direction; second, it describes an individual who is very changeable. Here, the text refers to the latter definition.

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"unfledged..."   (Chapter IV)

The word "unfledged" refers to someone who is immature, as someone without enough feathers to fly.

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"the three kingdoms..."   (Chapter IV)

The phrase "the three kingdoms" refers to England, Scotland, and Ireland, before the United Kingdom was created.

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"christened..."   (Chapter IV)

The word "christened" means to baptize someone and to name them at the baptism.

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"Pharisee..."   (Chapter V)

In today's usage, the word "Pharisee" is a derogatory term for someone is seen as self-righteous or hypocritical. Originally, a Pharisee was someone who belonged to a Jewish sect and who strictly observed traditions of Hebrew law.

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"coxcomb..."   (Chapter VII)

The archaic word "coxcomb" refers to a foolish, conceited man.

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"provincialisms..."   (Chapter VII)

The word "provincialisms" refers to dialectal idioms. When someone uses them, it indicates that they are not from the city.

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"coquette..."   (Chapter VIII)

The word "coquette" refers to a woman who uses her physical appearance to garner the attention of men.

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"lime..."   (Chapter VIII)

The word "lime" refers to crushed limestone used to improve the quality of soil.

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"fowling-piece..."   (Chapter VIII)

The word "fowling-piece" refers to a shotgun used to hunt small animals and birds.

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"miser..."   (Chapter IX)

The word "miser" refers to someone who lives frugally by hoarding money.

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"blasphemer..."   (Chapter IX)

The word "blasphemer" refers to someone who disrespectfully and irreverently speaks about God or religion.

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"sizar's place..."   (Chapter X)

The phrase "sizar's place" refers to a scholarship endowed at Trinity College or at Cambridge University.

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"pertinaciously..."   (Chapter XII)

The adverb "pertinaciously" means to act stubbornly and to stick with an opinion.

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"crocuses..."   (Chapter XIII)

The word "crocuses" refers to herbs with grass-like foliage of the iris family.

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"lantern jaws..."   (Chapter XIII)

The phrase "lantern jaws" describes an underbite, when one's lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.

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"valances..."   (Chapter XIII)

The word "valances" refer to drapery hung over beds, tables, and shelves.

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"heath..."   (Chapter XVI)

The word "heath" refers to shrub-like evergreen plants that produce clusters of small flowers.

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"bilberry-plants..."   (Chapter XVI)

The word "bilberry plants" refers to a species of shrubs that produce "bilberry" or blueberries.

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"sceptre..."   (Chapter XVII)

The word "sceptre" refers to a staff or baton used by rulers to demonstrate their authority.

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"offald ways..."   (Chapter XVIII)

The phrase "offald ways" suggests that Catherine and Heathcliff's behavior is shameful.

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"bugbear..."   (Chapter XXII)

The word "bugbear" refers to an imaginary character intended to frighten children.

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"catgut..."   (Chapter XXIX)

The word "catgut" refers to a tough cord made from sheep intestines used for stringing musical instruments.

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"ostler..."   (Chapter XXXII)

The word "ostler" or "hostler" refers to someone who takes care of horses or mules in the stables.

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"monomania..."   (Chapter XXXIII)

The word "monomania" refers to excessive enthusiasm for a specific subject, object, or idea.

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"fender..."   (Chapter XXXIV)

Here, the word "fender" refers to a screen or metal frame placed before an open fireplace to prevent hot coals from falling out.

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"Titan..."   (Chapter XXXIV)

According to ancient Greek mythology, Titans were the predecessors of the Greek gods. In contemporary usage, the word "titan" refers to someone who is very powerful or large in stature.

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"harebells..."   (Chapter XXXIV)

The word "harebells" refers to a type of plant with purple bell-shaped flowers.

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