CBSE Class 9 English Communicative (Literature Reader) Word Meaning

 

 

CBSE Class 9 Communicative Book Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters

CBSE Class 9 Communicative Word Meaning of All Chapters.  Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) Book have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the fiction, poem and drama from the Communicative book for CBSE Class 9 English . The difficult words’ meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.

 

Fiction

 

Chapter 1 – How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

 

1. weekly: something that occurs or arrives once a week
2. post: a piece of writing, image, or other item of content
3. complex: complicated, difficult to understand
4. psychological: related to the emotional and mental state of the human mind
5. appreciate: praise
6. karmaveera:  a Kannada weekly family interest magazine
7. ardent: very enthusiastic or passionate
8. punya: hindi word for ‘holy deed’
9. identify: associate someone or something closely with; regard as having strong links with
10. protagonist: the main character or hero of the story
11. insist: request repeatedly
12. courtyard: an unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or buildings
13. gather: come together
14. thoroughly: to a great extent
15. endlessly: in a manner that had no end
16. savouring: enjoying the taste or feel of something
17. terrace: a flat and open area situated near the building or at the top of a building
18. regret: feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over something that one has done or failed to do
19. considered: paid attention to
20. immensely: in a huge or immense amount
21. youngsters: young people
22. namaskara: a traditional Indian greeting or gesture of respect
23. flying colours: achieve a great amount of success in something

 

Chapter 2 – A Dog Named Duke

 

1. favoured: someone or something who is preferred or recommended by the majority
2. genuine: sincere, truthful
3. grin: smile while showing some teeth
4. civilised: polite and well-mannered
5. hard-charging: ambitious and determined
6. twilight: the period of the evening when twilight is visible, between daylight and darkness, dusk, sunset
7. subdural haemorrhage:  a serious condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain caused by a head injury
8. haemorrhage: heavy bleeding
9. motor: something which causes or controls movement
10. paralysing: causing a person or part of the body to become partly or wholly incapable of movement
11. kennel: a small shelter for dogs
12. make headway: make progress
13. homecoming: an instance of returning home
14. confinement: the state of being captivated in a small place
15. quiver: tremble or shake with a slight rapid motion
16. bellow: deep loud roar
17. post: assigned position
18. slack: not held tightly in the proper position, saggy
19. rangy: tall and slim with long, slender limbs
20. frame: figure
21. stalk: stride somewhere in a proud, stiff, or angry manner
22. poke: thrust (something, such as one’s head) in a particular direction
23. nudge: to poke and prod (someone) gently with one’s elbow in order to attract attention
24. needle: to annoy someone
25. snort: make a sudden explosive sound through one’s nose to express indignation
26. reproachful: expressing disapproval or disappointment
27. yap: give a sharp, shrill bark
28. idly: in an aimless or lazy way
29. hook: attach or fasten with a hook or hooks
30. shimmy: shake or vibrate abnormally
31. anticipation: expectation, hope
32. prance:  move with high springy steps
33. slack: the part of a rope or line which is not held taut; the loose or unused part
34. taut: tight, firm
35. sway: swing, move from side-to-side
36. collapsed into: to fall abruptly and completely
37. jab: poke sharply
38. snap: to move or carry out an action with brisk or rapid movement
39. tug: pull
40. steadily: in a controlled manner
41. front porch: entrance hall
42. abreast: side by side and facing the same way
43. surge out: to burst forward
44. prescribe: advise and authorise the use of a medicine or treatment for someone, especially in writing
45. physiotherapy: the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery
46. whirlpool bath: a heated pool in which hot aerated water is continuously circulated
47. gradual: slowly increasing
48. campaign: work in an organised and active way towards a particular goal
49. driveway: a short road leading from a public road to a house or other building
50. jurisdiction: the official power to make legal decisions and judgements.
51. gape: stare in shock
52. warehouse: a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored prior to their distribution for sale.
53. dictating machine: a machine used especially for the recording of human speech for transcription
54. comeback: a return by a well-known person, especially an entertainer or sports player, to the activity in which they have formerly been successful.
55. objective: aim
56. endurance: the ability to endure harsh conditions
57. promote: to raise someone to a higher rank
58. suburb: an outlying district of a city, especially a residential one
59. giant: a living being who is humongous as compared to the other living beings
60. rampageous: someone who is uncontrollably violent
61. babble: talk rapidly and continuously in such a way that someone else cannot understand what the person or people are talking about
62. screech: make a loud, harsh, squealing noise
63. instinctively: without conscious thought; by natural instinct
64. stubbornness: the ability to be stubborn or iron-willed
65. veterinarian: the doctor who treats animals.
66. drugged: to be given medicine or drugs
67. severe: fatal
68. tribute: an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration

 

Chapter 3 – The Man Who Knew Too Much

 

1. Private: soldier without rank
2. depot: a place where recruits are trained or other troops are assembled
3. liable: likely to do or to be something
4. acquire: to get something
5. nickname: a familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name
6. lanky: ungracefully thin and tall
7. stoop: bend one’s head or body forwards and downwards
8. horn-rimmed: having the rims of the glasses made of horn or a similar substance
9. musketry: art of using the infantry soldier’s handgun.
10. N.W. Frontier ribbons: decorations showing service in the N.W. province in British India, today a part of modern Pakistan.
11. service rifle: A service rifle (or standard-issue rifle) is a rifle a military issues to regular infantry
12. muzzle: the open end of the barrel of a firearm
13. enhance: increase
14. glory: honour, fame
15. commission: become an army officer
16. stripe: V-shaped band to indicate the rank of a soldier.
17. pursuit: to chase someone or something
18. credit: acknowledgement
19. badger: repeatedly ask (someone) something
20. drill: instruction or training in military exercises
21. route marches: training marches of battalions
22. heartiness: a quality of being enthusiastic and warm
23. chap: a friendly form of address between men or boys
24. Pay table: A pay table is the name for the list of payouts on a slot machine or video poker machine
25. droning: dull monotonous tone
26. remorseless: (of something unpleasant) never ending|
27. Stripe: a ribbon of decoration on the unifrom to mark an achievement
28. Orderly Officer: officer of the day
29. condescending : to look down on
30. drone: a continuous low humming sound
31. louts: an uncouth and aggressive man or boy
32. drowsy: peaceful and quiet
33. sprawling: lying with arms and legs outstretched
34. trifled with : to play with or fool around with, talk or act frivolously with
35. account: consider or regard in a specified way
36. fragments: pieces
37. segmentation: division into separate parts or sections
38. resume: continue
39. thunder-struck: extremely surprised or shocked
40. flush: become red and hot, typically as the result of illness or strong emotion
41. unabashed: unashamed
42. cowed: subdued
43. impassive: not feeling or showing emotion
44. deliberately: with an intention or purpose
45. platoon: squad
46. at bay: forced to face or confront one’s attackers or pursuers; cornered
47. abominably: very unpleasantly or unfairly

 

Chapter 4 – Keeping It From Harold

 

1. beaming: shining brightly
2. amiable: friendly
3. fat-headedness: stupidity
4. gravely: in a serious or solemn manner
5. pursed: pucker or contract, typically to express disapproval or irritation
6. a trifle: little or somewhat
7. cloudy: misted with tears
8. marred: spoiled the beauty or quality of something
9. jarred: annoyed or irritated
10. cut-glass: glass ornamented with patterns cut into it by grinding and polishing
11. toneless: monotonous, without any tone
12. readiness: preparation, to be ready
13. decorous: polite and restrained
14. prodigy: a young person with exceptional qualities or abilities
15. evasion: the action of evading or avoiding something
16. curate: a member of the clergy, a parish priest
17. parish:  a section of a church district in the care of a priest or minister
18. broach: raise (a difficult subject) for discussion
19. sunday-school: a class held on Sundays to teach children about Christianity or Judaism
20. major: a rank of officer in the army and the US air force, above captain and below lieutenant colonel
21. wrath: extreme anger
22. demur: raise objections or show reluctance
23. paste: beat or defeat severely
24. meditate: plan mentally; consider
25. genial: friendly and cheerful
26. philanthropist: a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes
27. teem: to be filled with something
28. furtive: attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive
29. practitioner: someone who practices or follows something
30. shady: suspicious-looking
31. quail: feel or show fear or apprehension
32. imbued with: to fill someone or something with a quality or feeling
33. defy: openly resist or refuse to obey|
34. mortar board: an academic cap with a stiff, flat, square top and a tassel
35. comport: behave
36. don: head of the mafia family
37. stature: importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement
38. semi-detached: joined to another house on one side only by a common wall
39. darning: the skill or activity of mending a hole in knitted material by interweaving yarn
40. sobriety: the quality of being practical and serious
41. Meditations: thoughts
42. patter: make a repeated light tapping sound
43. insinuate: suggest or hint (something bad) in an indirect and unpleasant way
44. cock: tilt (something) in a particular direction
45. diffident: modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
46. sturdy: (of a person or their body) strongly and solidly built
47. propitiatory: intended to please someone and make them feel calm
48. propelled: being driven to do something by a force
49. feebly: weakly
50. scales have fallen from the eyes: someone suddenly realizes the truth about something after a long period of not understanding it or of being deceived about it
51. literal: taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration
52. vouchsafe: give or grant (something) to (someone) in a gracious or condescending manner
53. uncomplimentary: insulting
54. weedy: (of a person) thin and physically weak in appearance
55. nut: a crazy or eccentric person
56. tract: a short article expressing a stron opinion on a sensitive topic
57. primrose path: the pursuit of pleasure, especially when it is seen to bring disastrous consequences
58. edgeway: talking too much
59. ruffled: disturbed
60. glory: being happy and proud of a victory
61. let you have one: to attack someone in a violent way
62. unsuppressed: something or  someone who is not suppressed
63. resilient: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
64. the eleventh hour: the latest possible moment
65. scornfully: in a way that shows you have no respect for someone or something and think they are stupid
66. snap: say something quickly and irritably
67. poor taste: something or someone offensive 
68. sob: cry loudly
69. shuffled his feet: move your feet slightly because you are uncomfortable or embarrassed
70. driving at: what they are trying to say or what they are saying indirectly
71. hopped it: to go away quickly
72. fat is in the fire: said when something has been said or done that will cause a lot of trouble
73. rubbing in: to talk to someone about something that you know they want to forget because they feel bad about it
74. knickerbocker: loose-fitting breeches gathered at the knee or calf
75. battered: damaged by age and repeated use
76. ajar: slightly open
77. rapped: strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention
78. at length: after a long time
79. choked voice: when a voice does not have its full sound, because the person or thing is upset or frightened
80. puzzled: confused
81. edge: move or cause to move gradually or furtively in a particular direction
82. guttural: produced in the throat; harsh-sounding
83. tactlessly: in a way that shows you are not being careful to avoid upsetting someone
84. protrude: to stick out
85. clutched: held tightly
86. purse: a sum of money given as a prize in a sporting contest, especially a boxing match
87. swell: increase in the amount or volume
88. chronic: of poor quality, terrible
89. goggle: look with wide open eyes, typically in amazement
90. exertion: physical or mental effort
91. consternation: a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
92. steely: coldly determined; hard
93. chivalrous: in manner similar to that of a gentleman
94. metallic: sharp and harsh, strict
95. curtly: in a way that is very quick and slightly rude
96. entreat: ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something
97. croon: hum or sing in a soft, low voice, especially in a sentimental manner
98. mutton-head: a stupid person
99. spiteful: mean and hurtful
100. raw: rude, crude
101. bob: a moderately large but unspecified amount of money
102. thick: of low intelligence; stupid
103. jolly: very; extremely
104. swank: display one’s wealth, knowledge, or achievements in a way that is intended to impress others
105. animated: full of life or excitement; lively
106. abstracted: lacking concentration on what is happening around one
107. gravity: seriousness
108. convulsively: to do something while having convulsions, in a jerky way
109. mechanically: in a manner that indicates that something or someone is robotic or has been programmed to do something

 

Chapter 5 – Best Seller

 

1. chair-car: a railroad car having pairs of chairs with individually adjustable backs on each side of the aisle
2. yoke: a part of a garment that fits over the shoulders and to which the main part of the garment is attached
3. tepidest : Feeling for showing little interest or enthusiasm
4. bald-spot: an area on the scalp that has little or no hair and where hair no longer grows
5. hurled: throw or someone or something with great force
6. veered: turned
7. plate-glass: large sheets of glass used especially as windows and doors in shops and offices
8. ill-fated: unlucky
9. law-abiding: someone or something that abides or follows the laws, someone or something that does not break the rules or the law
10. browsed: looked through
11. convention: a large meeting or conference, especially of members of a political party or a particular profession or group
12. stir: move slightly
13. discarded: someone or something that was undesirable or unimportant
14. Swell : a wealthy person of upper class and fashionably dressed.
15. alias : also known by another name, false name
16. principality: a state ruled by a prince
17. chair-warmer: someone who accomplishes little
18. ring in: proclaim
19. uncrowned sovereigns: a sovereign or supreme ruler prince who has not yet received coronation
20. station: one’s social rank or position
21. singing-society: singing club
22. aspire: direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something
23. consistent: not containing any logical contradictions
24. Turkish pashas : a high official of the Ottoman empire
25. Vermont : a state of north east US bordering Canada
26. clamdiggers : people who hunt for clams (edible shell fish)
27. aristocracy : class of people of high social rank
28. jibe: to be consistent, to fit with something
29. caper: something which is far-fetched or too fictional
30. notion: a rough idea
31. bully: very good; excellent
32. commission: a sum of money given to the agent in the transaction
33. neat: nice
34. slice: piece or part
35. Shares of stock: a unit of ownership of a business
36. general prosperity: doing well
37. affinity: relationship, especially by marriage
38. south-bound: travelling South
39. for keeps: for ever, permanently
40. vine: a climbing or trailing woody-stemmed plan
41. sleeper: a train containing cars in which people can sleep
42. contrived: created or arranged in a way that seems artificial and unrealistic
43. frazzled : worn out
44. satchel: a bag carried on the shoulder by a long strap and closed by a flap
45. plank: a long, thin, flat piece of timber, used especially in building and flooring
46. garnet: red, semi-precious gemstone.
47. grove: a small wood or other group of trees
48. box bush: an evergreen shrub with small, rich green leaves
49. capitol: a large building used for functions of the state government
50. trail: to move slowly
51. circumstance: one’s state of financial or material welfare
52. world fair: an international exhibition of the industrial, scientific, technological, and artistic achievements of the participating nations
53. get posted: to acquire information on what is happening
54. postmaster: the person in-charge of the post office
55. bay horse: a horse whose hair colour coat is bay
56. sample-case: a briefcase containing samples of a particular product
57. ostensible: to pretend that your statement or appearance is true even though it is not
58. by-and-by: eventually
59. paling: a fence made from pointed wooden or metal posts
60. raise one’s hat: briefly remove one’s hat as a gesture of courtesy or respect to someone
61. earnest: in a sincere manner
62. mileage-book: a book (mileage book) or ticket containing coupons good for a certain number of miles of transportation at a fixed rate per mile
63. clumsy: awkward in movement or in handling things.
64. lineal: in a direct line of descent or ancestry
65. Earl : a British nobleman between a viscount and a marquess
66. Belted Earl : until the 17th century, an earl was invested by the king with a sword he wore at his waist hence he was called a ‘belted earl’
67. drummer: a travelling sales representative
68. Earl : a British nobleman between a viscount and a marquess
69. Belted Earl : until the 17th century, an earl was invested by the king with a sword he wore at his waist hence he was called a ‘belted earl’
70. horsehair: hair from the mane or tail of a horse, typically used in furniture for padding.
71. lounge: a place where one can lounge that is a place where one can sit and relax
72. old-timers: old people, people who were young and lived through the old times
73. quadrille : a square dance for four couples
74. shabby: messy, not neat
75. rattled : shaking briskly, confused, nervous
76. cold feet: loss of nerve or confidence
77. nerve: confidence
78. prospects: chances or opportunities for success or wealth
79. kin: one’s family and relations
80. anecdote: a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person
81. perpetuate: make (something) continue
82. amenities: facility
83. furnish: give something to someone
84. droned: speak tediously in a dull monotonous tone
85. porter: a person employed to carry luggage and other loads, especially in a railway station, airport, hotel, or market
86. leisurely: acting or done at leisure; unhurried or relaxed
87. promptness:  the quality of doing something quickly and without delay, or at the arranged time
88. ragged : having a rough or uneven surface or edge
89. a score : an old word for the number twenty
90. dismal: gloomy
91. prop: support or keep in position
92. dreary: depressingly dull and bleak
93. slag: stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore
94. clinker: the stony residue from burnt coal or from a furnace
95. torrent: a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid

 

Poetry

 

Chapter 6 – The Brook

 

1. haunts: places frequently visited by
2. coot: a type of water bird with a white spot on the forehead
3. hern: heron, (another kind of water bird)
4. sally: emerge suddenly
5. fern: a flowerless plant which has feathery or leafy fronds
6. bicker: (here) flow down with a lot of noise
7. thorpes: a village
8. ridge: the line or edge formed where the two sloping sides of a roof meet at the top
9. brimming: be full to the point of overflowing
10. chatter: a series of short, quick high-pitched sounds
11. sharps: a musical tone semitone higher than the natural pitch
12. trebles: high pitched tune
13. eddying: spiral movement of water
14. babble: sound made when one talks gaily
15. fret: flow or move in small waves
16. fallow: land left uncultivated to regain fertility
17. foreland: piece of land that extends into a river etc.
18. mallow: plant with hairy stems and leaves and pink, white or purple flowers
19. chatter: a series of short, quick high-pitched sounds
20. brimming: be full to the point of overflowing
21. wind: move with a spiral manner
22. blossom: mature or develop in a promising or healthy way
23. lusty trout: a big freshwater fish
24. grayling: another type of freshwater fish
25. foamy flake: Foam on surface of fast moving brook
26. silvery: something which is shiny or lustrous like silver
27. waterbreak: a place in a brook where the surface of the water is broken by irregularities on the bottom
28. gravel: sandy surface of Earth beneath the top layer
29. steal by: move somewhere quietly
30. hazel: a small tree or bush with edible nuts
31. forget-me-nots : a type of flowers
32. glance: hit something at an angle and bounce off obliquely
33. skimming: Remove something from the surface, here fishes in the brook
34. swallows: a bird which dives into the brook for its prey, the fish
35. netted sunbeam: Pattern of a net formed when the sunlight passes through the trees and falls on the brook’s surface
36. sandy shallows: Base of the brook which is not deep and has sand
37. murmur: speak softly
38. brambly: covered with brambles and ferns and other undergrowth
39. wildernesses: an uncultivated and uninhabited region
40. linger: stay around something for some time
41. shingly: covered with small rounded pebbles
42. bar: ridges, sandy shallow
43. loiter: stand or wait around without apparent purpose
44. cresses: a pungent leaved plant like a cabbage

 

 Chapter 7 – The Road Not Taken

 

1. diverged: go separate ways
2. yellow wood: the forest is full of yellow coloured leaves in autumn
3. undergrowth: dense growth of trees
4. fair: something which is equal or same
5. claim: something that one asked to be given to her/him
6. wear: usage
7. worn: damaged
8. trodden: the action of stepping onto something

 

Chapter 8 – The Solitary Reaper

 

1. solitary: alone, lonely
2. highland lass: a girl who lives in the highlands (mountain regions) of Scotland
3. reaping: cutting and gathering a crop; such as corn or rice
4. bind: tie or fasten two things or objects together tightly
5. melancholy strain: sad song
6. vale profound: the entire valley
7. nightingale: a bird noted for her sweet song
8. weary: tired
9. band: a group of people
10. shady: suspicious
11. haunt: a place frequently visited by a person
12. Arabian Sands: the deserts of Arabia (the Middle East)
13. thrilling: something which is exciting and pleasurable
14. farthest Hebrides: the most remote group of islands that lie to the north-west of Scotland
15. plaintive numbers: sorrowful songs
16. far-off: something which is distant or faraway
17. humble lay: ordinary song
18. sickle: a tool for cutting grass and grain crops. It has a short handle and a blade shaped like a hook.
19. listen’d: listened
20. mounted: climbed
21. bore: carried

 

Chapter 9 – The Seven Ages

 

1. mewling: crying
2. puking: being sick, vomiting
3. nurse: caretaker
4. satchel: a small bag, for carrying school books
5. furnace: a very hot place
6. woeful: very sad
7. ballad: a slow sentimental or romantic song
8. oaths: solemn promises
9. pard: leopard (a symbol of fierceness in Shakespeare’s time)
10. reputation: fame, image
11. cannon: a big gun that fired cannon-balls made of iron
12. justice: judge
13. capon: a male chicken, very big and fat
14. saws: sayings
15. slippered : wearing slippers (indoor shoes)
16. pantaloon: a vicious old man wearing a loose fitting garment for hips and legs
17. pouch: a soft fold of loose skin that hangs down, as a result of illness or old age
18. hose: tight-fitting leg coverings
19. shank: legs from the knee to the ankle; frame
20. treble: a high voice
21. oblivion: forgetting everything, and being forgotten by everybody
22. sans: (pronounced like sone) a French word meaning without

 

Chapter 10 – Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth

 

1. me teeth: my teeth
2. perils: dangers
3. fillin’: filling, the material put in a dental cavity to fill it
4. To pass up: to let go
5. gobstoppers: a large, hard sweet
6. choppers: teeth
7. shillin’: shilling, a currency
8. lollies: Sugary sweets
9. liquorice: candy made with the dried root of the liquorice plant
10. sherbet dabs: tiny sweets
11. brittle: something that is hard but easy to break
12. pricked: disturbed
13. flash: Move very quickly
14. pokin’ and fussin’: checking carefully
15. paving: making
16. caps: covering on top of ruined tooth
17. sherbet: a type of sweet snack
18. amalgam: a vowel changed for better impact- a mixture of mercury and silver used to make fillings
19. reckonin’: reckoning, judgement
20. beckonin’: beckoning, calling

 

Chapter 11 – Song of the Rain

 

1. dotted: something that looks like a dot
2. adorn : to decorate or add beauty to
3. Ishtar : goddess of fertility, love, war and sex, in the Babylonian Pantheon, she “was the divine personification of the planet Venus”.
4. dawn: sunrise
5. embellish : decorate.
6. humble: Feel respectful
7. rejoice: Feeling of happiness
8. bow: Bend forward as a mark of respect
9. elated : very happy and excited.
10. quench : satisfy thirst.
11. upraised : lifted or moved upwards.
12. emerge: come out
13. soar: rise
14. descend: go down
15. embrace: to hug

Drama

 

Chapter 12 – Villa for Sale

 

1. sell: disappointment due to failure or trickery
2. Wretched: extremely bad or unpleasant
3. off my hands: to get rid of something
4. Cut my loss: to stop doing something in order to prevent the situation from getting worse
5. Stone’s throw away: nearby
6. Joinville: the name of a film studio in Paris
7. Paltry:  an amount, too small to be considered important or useful.
8. Permit: allow
9. Engagement: here, the acting job
10. Slicked: oiled
11. Comical: funny
12. Greta Garbo: Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American actress. Regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses
13. Yard: a ground surrounding the house
14. Cretonne: a strong cotton or linen cloth used especially for curtains and upholstery.
15. 25 yards: yards is a unit of measuring distance
16. Myth: an idea or belief which people believe in but which does not exist
17. Salon: reception room
18. Annex: to attach as an addition
19. Aggravating: to make something more worse or serious
20. Dowry:an amount of money or property which, in some countries, a woman’s family gives to the man she is marrying
21. By all means: certainly
22. What on earth: used to suggest that there is no obvious or easy answer to the question being asked.
23. Admirably: very well
24. Witty: clever and amusing
25. Exceptional: unusual and good
26. Giving it up: here, to stop owning the house
27. Awkward: difficult to deal with
28. Figures: here, sum of money
29. Philanthropic: one who promotes the welfare of others
30. Shanty: a small simple hut
31. amiably: friendly
32. queer: weird
33. parody: an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect
34. souvenir : A thing that you keep to remind yourself of a place.
35. carot: a unit of weight for measuring precious stones

 

Chapter 13 – The Bishop’s Candlesticks

 

1. felony: crime
2. gendarmes : the police
3. settee : seat with high back
4. crucifix : image of Jesus on the cross
5. mantelpiece: a structure of wood, marble, or stone above and around a fireplace
6. candlesticks: a holder made of metal in which a candle stands
7. rebuke: express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions
8. Monseigneur: My Lord (a title of respect given to a person of high rank)
9. Mon Dieu : (French) My God
10. nincompoop : idiot; fool
11. feeling poorly : felt unwell; was not feeling well.
12. salt-cellars: containers to shake out salt and pepper kept on the dining table.
13. awe: a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
14. Mere: Mother (pronounced mair)
15. Gringoire: pronounced Grin-go-ah
16. bedridden: confined to bed by sickness or old age.
17. bailiff : an officer of the court.
18. dot: dowry
19. hastened: hurried
20. courtesy: the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behaviour towards others
21. presently: shortly; soon
22. comforter: muffler
23. dupe: a person who is easily deceived
24. scamp: a rascal/vagabond
25. parish: an area with its own church
26. minx: cunning woman
27. audacity: rude or disrespectful behaviour; impudence
28. incorrigible: not able to be changed or reformed.
29. Deathbed: the bed where someone is dying or has died.
30. sin: bad deed
31. restless: unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom
32. hoarsely: in a rough or harsh voice
33. too old a bird to be caught with chaff: too old to be duped or cheated
34. wolf: hunger
35. entrails: intestines
36. to be at the beck and call of: to obey
37. ne’er-do-well: a good for nothing
38. enormous: huge
39. voraciously: greedily
40. Virgin: Mary, Mother of Jesus
41. chuckle: laugh quietly or inwardly
42. puzzled: confused
43. earnestly: with sincere and intense conviction; seriously
44. prison hulks: ships used as a prison houses
45. gaoler: a person in charge of a jail or of the prisoners in it, jailer
46. fury: anger
47. lash: strike or beat with a whip or stick
48. molest: cause trouble to
49. defiantly: in a manner that shows open resistance or bold disobedience
50. grumbling: the action or fact of complaining in a bad-tempered way
51. preach: deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church
52. toy: move or handle an object absent-mindedly
53. warrant: officially affirm or guarantee
54. start me fair: enable me to get a good start in life.
55. collar: seize or apprehend
56. plunder: loot, something which is taken illegally and/or violently
57. stow: pack or store (an object) carefully
58. break down: lose control of one’s emotions when in a state of distress
59. unscrupulous: having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
60. slinking: moving stealthily
61. dogged : stubborn
62. Defiance: open refusal to obey somebody/something
63. incredulously: incredibly unbelievable
64. severely: strictly
65. benefactor: the person who helps you
66. blackguard: a man who behaves in a dishonourable or contemptible way
67. overwrought: in a state of nervous excitement or anxiety
68. reluctance: unwillingness to do something
69. shamefacedly: in a way that expresses embarrassment or ashamed
70. prie-dieu: kneeling desk for use in prayer

 

Also See:

CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) Lesson Explanation

CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) important Questions

CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Word Meaning

CBSE Class 9 Communicative English Syllabus

Character Sketch of Class 9 English Communicative

CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Poetic Devices