Literature: The Lightning-Rod Man (Herman Melville)

Radko C. (United States of America)
190 words 6 learners

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words only definitions & notes
  1. lightning
    flash of light from an electric discharge in the atmosphere
    The Lightning-Rod Man by Herman Melville (1819-1891)
  2. irregular
    not level or flat or symmetrical
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  3. thunder
    a booming or crashing noise along the path of lightning
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  4. scatter
    cause to separate and go in different directions
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  5. crash
    break violently or noisily
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  6. valley
    a long depression in the surface of the land
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  7. zigzag
    a shape with sharp turns in alternating directions
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  8. swift
    moving very fast
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  9. spear
    a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  10. low
    less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
    What grand irregular thunder, thought I, standing on my hearth-stone among the Acroceraunian hills, as the scattered bolts boomed overhead, and crashed down among the valleys, every bolt followed by zigzag irradiations, and swift slants of sharp rain, which audibly rang, like a charge of spear-points, on my low shingled roof.
  11. glorious
    having or deserving or conferring high honor
    I suppose, though, that the mountains hereabouts break and churn up the thunder, so that it is far more glorious here than on the plain.
  12. hark
    listen; used mostly in the imperative
    Hark!—some one at the door.
  13. fashion
    the latest and most admired style in clothes or behavior
    And why don't he, man-fashion, use the knocker, instead of making that doleful undertaker's clatter with his fist against the hollow panel?
  14. doleful
    filled with or evoking sadness
    And why don't he, man-fashion, use the knocker, instead of making that doleful undertaker's clatter with his fist against the hollow panel?
  15. undertaker
    one whose business is the management of funerals
    And why don't he, man-fashion, use the knocker, instead of making that doleful undertaker's clatter with his fist against the hollow panel?
  16. hollow
    not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
    And why don't he, man-fashion, use the knocker, instead of making that doleful undertaker's clatter with his fist against the hollow panel?
  17. panel
    sheet that forms a distinct section of something
    And why don't he, man-fashion, use the knocker, instead of making that doleful undertaker's clatter with his fist against the hollow panel?
  18. entire
    constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
    "Good day, sir:" an entire stranger.
  19. stranger
    an individual that one is not acquainted with
    "Good day, sir:" an entire stranger.
  20. exact
    marked by strict and complete accordance with fact
    The stranger still stood in the exact middle of the cottage, where he had first planted himself.
  21. singularity
    the quality of being one of a kind
    His singularity impelled a closer scrutiny.
  22. impel
    urge or force to an action; constrain or motivate
    His singularity impelled a closer scrutiny.
  23. scrutiny
    the act of examining something closely, as for mistakes
    His singularity impelled a closer scrutiny.
  24. gloomy
    depressingly dark
    A lean, gloomy figure.
  25. figure
    alternate name for the body of a human being
    A lean, gloomy figure.
  26. lank
    long and thin and often limp
    Hair dark and lank, mattedly streaked over his brow.
  27. streak
    a narrow marking of a different color from the background
    Hair dark and lank, mattedly streaked over his brow.
  28. pitfall
    an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty
    His sunken pitfalls of eyes were ringed by indigo halos, and played with an innocuous sort of lightning: the gleam without the bolt.
  29. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
    His sunken pitfalls of eyes were ringed by indigo halos, and played with an innocuous sort of lightning: the gleam without the bolt.
  30. gleam
    a flash of light
    His sunken pitfalls of eyes were ringed by indigo halos, and played with an innocuous sort of lightning: the gleam without the bolt.
  31. drip
    flowing in drops
    The whole man was dripping.
  32. attach
    be in contact with
    It was a polished copper rod, four feet long, lengthwise attached to a neat wooden staff, by insertion into two balls of greenish glass, ringed with copper bands.
  33. insertion
    the act of putting one thing into another
    It was a polished copper rod, four feet long, lengthwise attached to a neat wooden staff, by insertion into two balls of greenish glass, ringed with copper bands.
  34. terminate
    bring to an end or halt
    The metal rod terminated at the top tripodwise, in three keen tines, brightly gilt.
  35. keen
    intense or sharp
    The metal rod terminated at the top tripodwise, in three keen tines, brightly gilt.
  36. gilt
    having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
    The metal rod terminated at the top tripodwise, in three keen tines, brightly gilt.
  37. honor
    a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
    "Sir," said I, bowing politely, "have I the honor of a visit from that illustrious god, Jupiter Tonans?
  38. illustrious
    widely known and esteemed
    "Sir," said I, bowing politely, "have I the honor of a visit from that illustrious god, Jupiter Tonans?
  39. statue
    a sculpture representing a human or animal
    So stood he in the Greek statue of old, grasping the lightning-bolt.
  40. grasp
    hold firmly
    So stood he in the Greek statue of old, grasping the lightning-bolt.
  41. viceroy
    governor who rules as the representative of a sovereign
    If you be he, or his viceroy, I have to thank you for this noble storm you have brewed among our mountains.
  42. noble
    of or belonging to hereditary aristocracy
    If you be he, or his viceroy, I have to thank you for this noble storm you have brewed among our mountains.
  43. majestic
    having or displaying great dignity or nobility
    Ah, to a lover of the majestic, it is a good thing to have the Thunderer himself in one's cottage.
  44. grant
    let have
    This old rush-bottomed arm-chair, I grant, is a poor substitute for your evergreen throne on Olympus; but, condescend to be seated."
  45. substitute
    a person or thing that can take the place of another
    This old rush-bottomed arm-chair, I grant, is a poor substitute for your evergreen throne on Olympus; but, condescend to be seated."
  46. condescend
    behave in a patronizing manner
    This old rush-bottomed arm-chair, I grant, is a poor substitute for your evergreen throne on Olympus; but, condescend to be seated."
  47. broad
    having great extent from one side to the other
    I planted the chair invitingly on the broad hearth, where a little fire had been kindled that afternoon to dissipate the dampness, not the cold; for it was early in the month of September.
  48. kindle
    catch fire
    I planted the chair invitingly on the broad hearth, where a little fire had been kindled that afternoon to dissipate the dampness, not the cold; for it was early in the month of September.
  49. dissipate
    cause to separate and go in different directions
    I planted the chair invitingly on the broad hearth, where a little fire had been kindled that afternoon to dissipate the dampness, not the cold; for it was early in the month of September.
  50. solicitation
    an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status
    But without heeding my solicitation, and still standing in the middle of the floor, the stranger gazed at me portentously and spoke.
  51. gaze
    a long fixed look
    But without heeding my solicitation, and still standing in the middle of the floor, the stranger gazed at me portentously and spoke.
  52. excuse
    a defense of some offensive behavior
    "Sir," said he, "excuse me; but instead of my accepting your invitation to be seated on the hearth there, I solemnly warn you, that you had best accept mine, and stand with me in the middle of the room.
  53. invitation
    a request to be present or take part in something
    "Sir," said he, "excuse me; but instead of my accepting your invitation to be seated on the hearth there, I solemnly warn you, that you had best accept mine, and stand with me in the middle of the room.
  54. solemnly
    in a serious and dignified manner
    "Sir," said he, "excuse me; but instead of my accepting your invitation to be seated on the hearth there, I solemnly warn you, that you had best accept mine, and stand with me in the middle of the room.
  55. ignorant
    uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
    "Are you so horridly ignorant, then," he cried, "as not to know, that by far the most dangerous part of a house, during such a terrific tempest as this, is the fire-place?"
  56. tempest
    a violent commotion or disturbance
    "Are you so horridly ignorant, then," he cried, "as not to know, that by far the most dangerous part of a house, during such a terrific tempest as this, is the fire-place?"
  57. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    The stranger now assumed such an unpleasant air of successful admonition, that—quite involuntarily again—I stepped back upon the hearth, and threw myself into the erectest, proudest posture I could command.
  58. unpleasant
    disagreeable to the senses, to the mind, or feelings
    The stranger now assumed such an unpleasant air of successful admonition, that—quite involuntarily again—I stepped back upon the hearth, and threw myself into the erectest, proudest posture I could command.
  59. successful
    having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
    The stranger now assumed such an unpleasant air of successful admonition, that—quite involuntarily again—I stepped back upon the hearth, and threw myself into the erectest, proudest posture I could command.
  60. admonition
    a firm rebuke
    The stranger now assumed such an unpleasant air of successful admonition, that—quite involuntarily again—I stepped back upon the hearth, and threw myself into the erectest, proudest posture I could command.
  61. posture
    the arrangement of the body and its limbs
    The stranger now assumed such an unpleasant air of successful admonition, that—quite involuntarily again—I stepped back upon the hearth, and threw myself into the erectest, proudest posture I could command.
  62. mixture
    a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
    "For Heaven's sake," he cried, with a strange mixture of alarm and intimidation—"for Heaven's sake, get off the hearth!
  63. alarm
    a device signaling the occurrence of some undesirable event
    "For Heaven's sake," he cried, with a strange mixture of alarm and intimidation—"for Heaven's sake, get off the hearth!
  64. intimidation
    the act of scaring a weaker person to make them do something
    "For Heaven's sake," he cried, with a strange mixture of alarm and intimidation—"for Heaven's sake, get off the hearth!
  65. conductor
    the person who leads a musical group
    Know you not, that the heated air and soot are conductors;—to say nothing of those immense iron fire-dogs?
  66. immense
    unusually great in size or amount or extent or scope
    Know you not, that the heated air and soot are conductors;—to say nothing of those immense iron fire-dogs?
  67. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence
    Quit the spot—I conjure—I command you."
  68. accustom
    familiarize psychologically or physically
    "Mr. Jupiter Tonans, I am not accustomed to be commanded in my own house."
  69. pagan
    a person following a polytheistic or pre-Christian religion
    "Call me not by that pagan name.
  70. profane
    grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
    You are profane in this time of terror."
  71. terror
    an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
    You are profane in this time of terror."
  72. shelter
    covering that provides protection from the weather
    If you seek shelter from the storm, you are welcome, so long as you be civil; but if you come on business, open it forthwith.
  73. civil
    of or occurring between or among citizens of the state
    If you seek shelter from the storm, you are welcome, so long as you be civil; but if you come on business, open it forthwith.
  74. tone
    the distinctive property of a complex sound
    "I am a dealer in lightning-rods," said the stranger, softening his tone; "my special business is—Merciful Heaven! what a crash!—Have you ever been struck—your premises I mean?
  75. merciful
    showing or giving forgiveness
    "I am a dealer in lightning-rods," said the stranger, softening his tone; "my special business is—Merciful Heaven! what a crash!—Have you ever been struck—your premises I mean?
  76. premises
    land and the buildings on it
    "I am a dealer in lightning-rods," said the stranger, softening his tone; "my special business is—Merciful Heaven! what a crash!—Have you ever been struck—your premises I mean?
  77. concussion
    injury to the brain caused by a blow
    Hark, what Himalayas of concussions!"
  78. interrupt
    make a break in
    "You interrupted yourself; your special business you were about to speak of."
  79. specimen
    a bit of tissue or fluid taken for diagnostic purposes
    This is my specimen rod;" tapping his staff; "I have the best of references"—fumbling in his pockets.
  80. fumble
    feel about uncertainly or blindly
    This is my specimen rod;" tapping his staff; "I have the best of references"—fumbling in his pockets.
  81. heedless
    marked by or paying little attention
    But my workman was heedless.
  82. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    In fitting the rod at top to the steeple, he allowed a part of the metal to graze the tin sheeting.
  83. graze
    feed as in a meadow or pasture
    In fitting the rod at top to the steeple, he allowed a part of the metal to graze the tin sheeting.
  84. accident
    an unfortunate mishap
    Hence the accident.
  85. burst
    come open suddenly and violently
    That clap burst quite loud enough to be heard without finger-pointing.
  86. event
    something that happens at a given place and time
    Did you hear of the event at Montreal last year?
  87. servant
    a person working in the service of another
    A servant girl struck at her bed-side with a rosary in her hand; the beads being metal.
  88. extend
    stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope
    Does your beat extend into the Canadas?"
  89. fuse
    any igniter used to initiate the burning of a propellant
    Iron is easily fused.
  90. conduct
    the way a person behaves toward other people
    Then they draw out the rod so slender, that it has not body enough to conduct the full electric current.
  91. electric
    using or providing the flow of charge through a conductor
    Then they draw out the rod so slender, that it has not body enough to conduct the full electric current.
  92. current
    occurring in or belonging to the present time
    Then they draw out the rod so slender, that it has not body enough to conduct the full electric current.
  93. melt
    reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state
    The metal melts; the building is destroyed.
  94. destroy
    do away with; cause the ruin or undoing of
    The metal melts; the building is destroyed.
  95. risk
    a source of danger
    Some of them knob the rod at the top, which risks a deadly explosion, instead of imperceptibly carrying down the current into the earth, as this sort of rod does.
  96. explosion
    the act of bursting
    Some of them knob the rod at the top, which risks a deadly explosion, instead of imperceptibly carrying down the current into the earth, as this sort of rod does.
  97. imperceptibly
    in a manner that is difficult to discern
    Some of them knob the rod at the top, which risks a deadly explosion, instead of imperceptibly carrying down the current into the earth, as this sort of rod does.
  98. abuse
    cruel or inhumane treatment
    "This abuse of your own calling in another might make one distrustful with respect to yourself."
  99. respect
    regard highly; think much of
    "This abuse of your own calling in another might make one distrustful with respect to yourself."
  100. mutter
    talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
    The thunder becomes less muttering.
  101. relinquish
    turn away from; give up
    I said, seeing him now instantaneously relinquishing his staff, lean intently forward towards the window, with his right fore and middle fingers on his left wrist.
  102. intently
    with strained or eager attention
    I said, seeing him now instantaneously relinquishing his staff, lean intently forward towards the window, with his right fore and middle fingers on his left wrist.
  103. escape
    run away from confinement
    But ere the words had well escaped me, another exclamation escaped him.
  104. exclamation
    an abrupt excited utterance
    But ere the words had well escaped me, another exclamation escaped him.
  105. pulse
    the steady movement of the body's blood-pumping organ
    "Crash! only three pulses—less than a third of a mile off—yonder, somewhere in that wood.
  106. yonder
    distant but within sight
    "Crash! only three pulses—less than a third of a mile off—yonder, somewhere in that wood.
  107. stricken
    grievously affected especially by disease
    I passed three stricken oaks there, ripped out new and glittering.
  108. glitter
    the quality of shining with a bright reflected light
    I passed three stricken oaks there, ripped out new and glittering.
  109. timber
    the wood of trees prepared for use as building material
    The oak draws lightning more than other timber, having iron in solution in its sap.
  110. solution
    a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances
    The oak draws lightning more than other timber, having iron in solution in its sap.
  111. peculiar
    beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
    From the peculiar time of your call upon me, I suppose you purposely select stormy weather for your journeys.
  112. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    From the peculiar time of your call upon me, I suppose you purposely select stormy weather for your journeys.
  113. stormy
    affected or characterized by violent weather or commotion
    From the peculiar time of your call upon me, I suppose you purposely select stormy weather for your journeys.
  114. weather
    atmospheric conditions such as temperature and precipitation
    From the peculiar time of your call upon me, I suppose you purposely select stormy weather for your journeys.
  115. journey
    the act of traveling from one place to another
    From the peculiar time of your call upon me, I suppose you purposely select stormy weather for your journeys.
  116. deem
    judge or regard in a particular way
    When the thunder is roaring, you deem it an hour peculiarly favorable for producing impressions favorable to your trade."
  117. favorable
    encouraging or approving or pleasing
    When the thunder is roaring, you deem it an hour peculiarly favorable for producing impressions favorable to your trade."
  118. impression
    a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
    When the thunder is roaring, you deem it an hour peculiarly favorable for producing impressions favorable to your trade."
  119. trade
    the commercial exchange of goods and services
    When the thunder is roaring, you deem it an hour peculiarly favorable for producing impressions favorable to your trade."
  120. timorous
    shy and fearful by nature
    "For one who would arm others with fearlessness, you seem unbeseemingly timorous yourself.
  121. particular
    unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    "That I travel in thunder-storms, I grant; but not without particular precautions, such as only a lightning-rod man may know.
  122. precaution
    a measure taken in advance to ward off impending danger
    "That I travel in thunder-storms, I grant; but not without particular precautions, such as only a lightning-rod man may know.
  123. bar
    a rigid piece of metal or wood
    I will bar up."
  124. desist
    stop performing some action
    Desist."
  125. frantic
    marked by uncontrolled excitement or emotion
    "Are you frantic?
  126. blast
    a sudden, loud sound
    That bell-wire might blast you.
  127. swoop
    move with a sweep
    Swoop!
  128. probably
    with considerable certainty; without much doubt
    "Very probably.
  129. opinion
    a personal belief or judgment
    Tell me at once, which is, in your opinion, the safest part of this house?"
  130. gust
    a strong current of air
    "Hark!—after the flash the gust—the sashes shiver—the house, the house!—Come hither to me!"
  131. pause
    stop an action temporarily
    And now, Mr. Lightning-rod man, in the pauses of the thunder, be so good as to tell me your reasons for esteeming this one room of the house the safest, and your own one standpoint there the safest spot in it."
  132. esteem
    the condition of being honored
    And now, Mr. Lightning-rod man, in the pauses of the thunder, be so good as to tell me your reasons for esteeming this one room of the house the safest, and your own one standpoint there the safest spot in it."
  133. cessation
    a stopping
    There was now a little cessation of the storm for a while.
  134. relieved
    made easier to bear
    The Lightning-rod man seemed relieved, and replied:—
  135. comparative
    involving the examination of similarities and differences
    Hence its comparative safety.
  136. comprehend
    get the meaning of something
    Do you comprehend?—and
  137. chimney
    vertical flue carrying smoke through the wall of a building
    I choose the middle of the room, because, if the lightning should strike the house at all, it would come down the chimney or walls; so, obviously, the further you are from them, the better.
  138. obviously
    unmistakably
    I choose the middle of the room, because, if the lightning should strike the house at all, it would come down the chimney or walls; so, obviously, the further you are from them, the better.
  139. inspired
    of surpassing excellence
    Something you just said, instead of alarming me, has strangely inspired confidence."
  140. confidence
    belief in yourself and your abilities
    Something you just said, instead of alarming me, has strangely inspired confidence."
  141. stroke
    a single complete movement
    "Aye, the returning-stroke, as it is called; when the earth, being overcharged with the fluid, flashes its surplus upward."
  142. fluid
    continuous amorphous matter that tends to flow
    "Aye, the returning-stroke, as it is called; when the earth, being overcharged with the fluid, flashes its surplus upward."
  143. surplus
    a quantity much larger than is needed
    "Aye, the returning-stroke, as it is called; when the earth, being overcharged with the fluid, flashes its surplus upward."
  144. thoroughly
    in an exhaustive manner
    "It is the safest thing you can do—Hark, again!—to get yourself thoroughly drenched in a thunder-storm.
  145. dusk
    the time of day immediately following sunset
    The skies blacken—it is dusk at noon.
  146. resume
    take up or begin anew
    "And now, since our being dumb will not help us," said I, resuming my place, "let me hear your precautions in traveling during thunder-storms."
  147. traveling
    the act of going from one place to another
    "And now, since our being dumb will not help us," said I, resuming my place, "let me hear your precautions in traveling during thunder-storms."
  148. proceed
    move ahead; travel onward in time or space
    "Nay, proceed with the precautions.
  149. possible
    capable of happening or existing
    You stand in the safest possible place according to your own account.
  150. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    You stand in the safest possible place according to your own account.
  151. pasture
    a field covered with grass and suitable for grazing
    I avoid pine-trees, high houses, lonely barns, upland pastures, running water, flocks of cattle and sheep, a crowd of men.
  152. flock
    a group of birds
    I avoid pine-trees, high houses, lonely barns, upland pastures, running water, flocks of cattle and sheep, a crowd of men.
  153. crowd
    a large number of things or people considered together
    I avoid pine-trees, high houses, lonely barns, upland pastures, running water, flocks of cattle and sheep, a crowd of men.
  154. sufficient
    of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement
    Are you so grossly ignorant as not to know, that the height of a six-footer is sufficient to discharge an electric cloud upon him?
  155. smite
    inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, or a weapon
    Are not lonely Kentuckians, ploughing, smit in the unfinished furrow?
  156. pinnacle
    a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress or a tower
    Sure, yon black pinnacle is split.
  157. split
    separate into parts or portions
    Sure, yon black pinnacle is split.
  158. whit
    a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
    Your house is low; but being upon the mountains, that lowness does not one whit depress it.
  159. depress
    push down
    Your house is low; but being upon the mountains, that lowness does not one whit depress it.
  160. expose
    make visible or apparent
    You mountaineers are most exposed.
  161. recommendation
    praise of a person or thing as worthy or desirable
    Look over these recommendations.
  162. elevation
    distance of something above a reference point
    An elevation of five feet above the house, will protect twenty feet radius all about the rod.
  163. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    An elevation of five feet above the house, will protect twenty feet radius all about the rod.
  164. dreadful
    exceptionally bad or displeasing
    Hark!—Dreadful!—Will you order?
  165. offal
    viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal
    Think of being a heap of charred offal, like a haltered horse burnt in his stall; and all in one flash!"
  166. pretend
    make believe with the intent to deceive
    "You pretended envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to and from Jupiter Tonans," laughed I; "you mere man who come here to put you and your pipestem between clay and sky, do you think that because you can strike a bit of green light from the Leyden jar, that you can thoroughly avert the supernal bolt?
  167. extraordinary
    highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
    "You pretended envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to and from Jupiter Tonans," laughed I; "you mere man who come here to put you and your pipestem between clay and sky, do you think that because you can strike a bit of green light from the Leyden jar, that you can thoroughly avert the supernal bolt?
  168. minister
    a person authorized to conduct religious worship
    "You pretended envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to and from Jupiter Tonans," laughed I; "you mere man who come here to put you and your pipestem between clay and sky, do you think that because you can strike a bit of green light from the Leyden jar, that you can thoroughly avert the supernal bolt?
  169. plenipotentiary
    a diplomat with full powers to take action or make decisions
    "You pretended envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to and from Jupiter Tonans," laughed I; "you mere man who come here to put you and your pipestem between clay and sky, do you think that because you can strike a bit of green light from the Leyden jar, that you can thoroughly avert the supernal bolt?
  170. avert
    turn away or aside
    "You pretended envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to and from Jupiter Tonans," laughed I; "you mere man who come here to put you and your pipestem between clay and sky, do you think that because you can strike a bit of green light from the Leyden jar, that you can thoroughly avert the supernal bolt?
  171. empower
    give or delegate authority to
    Who has empowered you, you Tetzel, to peddle round your indulgences from divine ordinations?
  172. indulgence
    the act of gratifying a desire
    Who has empowered you, you Tetzel, to peddle round your indulgences from divine ordinations?
  173. ordination
    the act of conferring holy orders
    Who has empowered you, you Tetzel, to peddle round your indulgences from divine ordinations?
  174. ease
    freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
    In thunder as in sunshine, I stand at ease in the hands of my God.
  175. deity
    a supernatural being worshipped as controlling the world
    See, the scroll of the storm is rolled back; the house is unharmed; and in the blue heavens I read in the rainbow, that the Deity will not, of purpose, make war on man's earth."
  176. purpose
    what something is used for
    See, the scroll of the storm is rolled back; the house is unharmed; and in the blue heavens I read in the rainbow, that the Deity will not, of purpose, make war on man's earth."
  177. impious
    lacking piety or reverence for a god
    "Impious wretch!" foamed the stranger, blackening in the face as the rainbow beamed, "I will publish your infidel notions."
  178. wretch
    someone you feel sorry for
    "Impious wretch!" foamed the stranger, blackening in the face as the rainbow beamed, "I will publish your infidel notions."
  179. publish
    prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
    "Impious wretch!" foamed the stranger, blackening in the face as the rainbow beamed, "I will publish your infidel notions."
  180. infidel
    a person who does not acknowledge your god
    "Impious wretch!" foamed the stranger, blackening in the face as the rainbow beamed, "I will publish your infidel notions."
  181. notion
    a general inclusive concept
    "Impious wretch!" foamed the stranger, blackening in the face as the rainbow beamed, "I will publish your infidel notions."
  182. scowl
    frown with displeasure
    The scowl grew blacker on his face; the indigo-circles enlarged round his eyes as the storm-rings round the midnight moon.
  183. seize
    take hold of; grab
    I seized it; I snapped it; I dashed it; I trod it; and dragging the dark lightning-king out of my door, flung his elbowed, copper sceptre after him.
  184. tread
    put down, place, or press the foot
    I seized it; I snapped it; I dashed it; I trod it; and dragging the dark lightning-king out of my door, flung his elbowed, copper sceptre after him.
  185. fling
    throw with force or recklessness
    I seized it; I snapped it; I dashed it; I trod it; and dragging the dark lightning-king out of my door, flung his elbowed, copper sceptre after him.
  186. spite
    meanness or nastiness
    But spite of my treatment, and spite of my dissuasive talk of him to my neighbors, the Lightning-rod man still dwells in the land; still travels in storm-time, and drives a brave trade with the fears of man.
  187. treatment
    the management of someone or something
    But spite of my treatment, and spite of my dissuasive talk of him to my neighbors, the Lightning-rod man still dwells in the land; still travels in storm-time, and drives a brave trade with the fears of man.
  188. neighbor
    a person who lives near another
    But spite of my treatment, and spite of my dissuasive talk of him to my neighbors, the Lightning-rod man still dwells in the land; still travels in storm-time, and drives a brave trade with the fears of man.
  189. dwell
    inhabit or live in
    But spite of my treatment, and spite of my dissuasive talk of him to my neighbors, the Lightning-rod man still dwells in the land; still travels in storm-time, and drives a brave trade with the fears of man.
  190. brave
    possessing or displaying courage
    But spite of my treatment, and spite of my dissuasive talk of him to my neighbors, the Lightning-rod man still dwells in the land; still travels in storm-time, and drives a brave trade with the fears of man.
Created on Tue Dec 25 12:24:44 EST 2012 (updated Fri Jan 17 20:33:27 EST 2014)

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