A Christmas Carol Stave 1 (Marley's Ghost) Vocabulary
caustic
(adj.) able to burn or eat away by chemical action; biting, sarcastic
resolute
(adj.) bold, determined; firm
rapture
A state of great joy, delight, or love
congeal
Change from liquid to solid
stave
The use of the word stave here refers to songs (in order to make the reader more aware of the relevance of the title (Christmas Carol--in reference to songs sung at Christmas time).
multitude
a large indefinite number
executor
a man appointed by the will of a deceased person to carry out the provisions thereof and settle the estate
trifle
a thing of little value or importance
solitary
alone
garret
an attic
entreaty
an earnest or humble request
intimation
an indication or hint
implore
beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something
lunatic
crazy person
covetous
desiring something owned by another
misanthropic
disliking humankind and avoiding human society
credentials
documents, letters, references, etc., that inspire belief or trust
impropriety
improper conduct; bad manners
unhallowed
not sacred, wicked, sinful, evil
legatee
one who inherits personal property under a will
tremulous
shaking or quivering slightly
ominous
threatening
replenish
to fill up again