Shakespeare Words

Question 1

Civil

Answer 1

Relating to citizens or public order, courteous and polite.

Question 2

Star-Crossed

Answer 2

Ill-fated; doomed by the stars (astrology).

Question 3

Ancient

Answer 3

Long-standing or old; in some cases a military rank.

Question 4

Wax

Answer 4

To grow or increase.

Question 5

Chinks

Answer 5

Slang for money.

Question 6

Prodigious

Answer 6

Ominous or unnatural; extraordinary in a negative way.

Question 7

Wherefore

Answer 7

Means why.

Question 8

Let

Answer 8

To prevent or hinder.

Question 9

Properer

Answer 9

More handsome or attractive.

Question 10

Counter-Vail

Answer 10

To offset or equal in force or value.

Question 11

Confounds

Answer 11

Destroys or ruins; confusion.

Question 12

Conceit

Answer 12

Thought, idea, or imagination.

Question 13

Villain

Answer 13

Dishonourable or wicked person.

Question 14

Peppered

Answer 14

Doomed or done for.

Question 15

Respective Lenity

Answer 15

Merciful restraint or consideration.

Question 16

Rails (thou) on

Answer 16

To scold or speak abusively.

Question 17

Temper

Answer 17

To mix or moderate or refers to mood or state of mind.

Question 18

Practice Stratagems

Answer 18

To plan or carry out clever schemes (often deceitful and tactical).

In Shakespeare, stratagems often mean tricks or deadly plots.

Question 19

Charnel House

Answer 19

A vault or building where skeletal remains are stored, often associated with death, decay, and horror.

Shakespeare uses it metaphorically to convey dread and revulsion.

Question 20

Supple Government

Answer 20

Flexible control or gentle guidance, or mastery over one’s emotions or actions.

Question 21

Drift

Answer 21

Intention, plan or meaning.

Question 22

Orisions

Answer 22

Prayers, usually offered reverently.

Question 23

Solemnity

Answer 23

A formal or serious ceremony.

Question 24

Put out

Answer 24

To extinguish; to drive away or eliminate.

Question 25

Office

Answer 25

A duty function or moral responsibility, referring to one's role in society, relationships, and moral conduct.

Question 26

Ducats

Answer 26

Gold or silver coins used as currency in Europe.

Question 27

Nice

Answer 27

Trivial, foolish or petty; often meant superficial or overly concerned with trivialities. ## Footnote It could also mean delicate, refined or silly.

Question 28

Dateless

Answer 28

Eternal without end.

Question 29

Impeach

Answer 29

To accuse or challenge someone's integrity.

Question 30

Privy

Answer 30

Knowing something secret or private.

Question 31

Apothecary

Answer 31

A person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs, similar to a modern-day pharmacist. ## Footnote Often associated with more primitive or even dangerous remedies, especially poisons.