arbitrary

"...all that preserves them of every moment is the mere arbitrary will, and uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."

Page 47 Elements of Literature

I think arbitrary means having an unlimited amount of something.

reproach

"Nor would the shade of the skin have been any reproach at this day, for if a Moor may be washed white in three generations, surely an Indian might have been blanched in two."

page 133 Elements of Literature

I think reproach means to find fault with something or to blame.

beseeched

"But death being surer and nearer if we stayed where we were, I went ahead and beseeched the Indians."

page 118 Elements of Literature

The book says this word means to beg.

deliberation

"Neither anger nor fury shall find lodgment in their minds and all their words and acions shall be marked by calm deliberarion."

Page 110 Elements of Literature

Dictionary.com says it means careful consideration

Despotism

"...a design to reduce them under absolute depotism,.."

Pg. 100 Elements of Literature

the book said that despotismis is ruled by a tyrant or king with unlimited power.

Celestial

"heaven knows how to put a proper price upn its goods; and it would be stange
indeed, if so celestial and article as freedom.."

Pg. 89 Elements of Liturature

the book sayd that celestial ment divine or perfect

Tyrannical

"That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established..."

Pg. 111 Elements of Liturature

I've heard of a person being a tyrant so im guessing this has to do with someone being very harsh and mean.

Foment

"If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are
determined to foment a Rebellion.."

Pg. 111 Elements of Literature

the book said that foment meant to stir up.

contrivance

"... and your healthy constitution and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you, ..."

p.47 Elements of Literature

A contrivance is a scheme or a plan.

incensed

"In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of; all that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."

P. 47 Elements of Literature

Incensed means to be angered or enraged.

forbearance

"In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of; all that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."

P.47 Elements of Literature

Forbearance is having tolerance or restraint.

plunder

"One of the Indians that came from Medfield fight, had brought some plunder, came to me, and asked me, if I would have a Bible, he had got one in his basket."

P.39 Elements of Literature

The book said plunder means goods seized, especially during wartime. I don't understand what that means but I think it means to rob or take someone else's possession by force.

succorless

"I, starting up, the light did spy
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my distress
And not to leave me succorless."

P.29 Elements of Literature

Succorless means without aid or assistance; to be helpless.

modish

Elements of Literature

p.131

"This modish frenzy, being still more inflamed by the charming account
given of Virginia by the first adventurers, made many found of removing such a
Paradise."

I think that modish means in the current style or popular.

plight

Elements of Literature

p.118

"The Indians, understanding our full plight, sat down and lamented for half
an hour so loudly they could have been heard a long way off."

I think that plight means and unfortunate or unfavorable situation.

thistle

Elements of Literature

p.109

"Under the shade of this Tree of Great Peace we spread soft white feathery
down of the globe thistle as seats for you, Adodarhoh, and your cousin
Lords."

I think thistle is any of the various prickly plants or things that they shed.

provision

Elements of Literature

p.41

"Where they fell to boiling of groundnuts, and parching of corn (as many as
had it) for their provision."

I think that provision is supplies or food (especially for a long journey).

bier

"Four of them carried a great Indian upon a bier; but going through a thick wood with him, they were hindered."

Elements of Literature


p.39

I think that bier is a stand on which to put a corpse or coffin before burial.

wigwam

Elements of Literature

p.38

"In the morning, when they understood that my child was dead they sent
for me home to my master's wigwam."

I think that wigwam is an Indiam dwelling of some sort; maybe like a tepee.

longhouse

"The old chief of that land lived with his wife whose name was Aataentsic, meaning "Ancient Woman," in there longhouse near the great tree."

Elements of Literature

p. 24
I think that longhouse is a long, communal house especially in native American culture based on the context and what I have learned in past history classes.