Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Vocabulary Terms

Hapless  Having no luck; unfortunate (adjective)

Comely  Pleasant to look at; attractive (adjective)

Apparition  Ghost or ghost-like image(noun)

Countenance A person’s face or facial expression (noun)

Hauberk  Piece of armor covering only the neck and shoulders (noun)

Smite To strike with a firm blow (verb) A heavy blow either with a weapon or the hand (noun)

Quick-claim  A legal instrument used to transfer the interest of property to another. It releases the original owner from all responsibility and from ownership. (noun)

Respite  A short period of rest from something difficult or unpleasant.(noun)  To Postpone (verb)

Liege  Concerned with or relating to a relationship between a feudal superior (lord) and a vassal (adjective)  A feudal superior or lord (noun)

Rendezvous  A meeting at an agreed time and place, usually between two people (noun)  To meet at an agreed time and place (verb)

Nick  Small cut or notch (noun)  To make a small cut or notch (verb)

Wrought  Beaten out or shaped by a hammer (adjective)

Covetousness  Greedy (noun)  Verb form: covet

Pentangle  The ideals of Christian morality and knightly chivalry are brought together in Sir Gawain’s symbolic shield. It represents the five virtues of knights:  Friendship, generosity, chastity, courtesy and piety (noun)

Beguiled  To charm or enchant someone in a deceptive way (verb)

Scathe  Harm; injure (verb)  An injury (noun)

prowess  Skill or expertise in a particular field (noun)  Bravery in battle (noun)