The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Vocabulary

Act I

1. Carpenter
Definition: noun; a builder or repairer of wooden objects or structures
Example: (pg. 19) Of your profession? Speak, what trade art thou? Why, sir, a carpenter.
2. Cobbler
Definition: noun; a maker or repairer of footwear
Example: (pg. 19) You, sir, what trade are you? Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am
but, as you would say, a cobbler.
3. Feast of Lupercal
Definition: noun; a Roman fertility festivity celebrated on Feb. 15 th which contains a
race. In the race bystanders are hit with dried goat skin. If hit, a person will get rid of
sterility or the inability to get pregnant.
Example: (pg. 21-22) If you do find them decked with ceremonies. May we do so? You know
it is the feast of Lupercal.
4. Ho
Definition: Attention, listen up!
Example: (pg. 22) Pease, ho! Caesar speaks.
5. Ides of March
Definition: noun; in the ancient Roman calendar, the 15th day of March
Example: (pg. 23) Beware the ides of March. What man is that? A soothsayer bids you
beware the ides of March.
6. Vexèd
Definition: adjective; annoyed, irritated, displeased
Example: (pg. 24) Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am of late with passions of some difference,
conceptions only proper to myself, which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviors;
7. Lamented
Definition: verb; to express grief or sorrow about something
Example: (pg. 25) And it is very much lamented, Brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will
turn your hidden worthiness into your eye, that you might see your shadow.
8. Thrice
Definition: adverb; three times over
Example: (pg. 31-32) They shouted thrice; what was the last cry for? Why, for that too. Was
the crown offered him thrice? Ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than
other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.
9. Coronets
Definition: noun; a small crown, especially one worn by a prince or a peer rather than a
reigning monarch
Example: (pg. 32) I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown—yet ‘twas not a crown neither, ‘twas
one of these coronets—and, as I told you, he put it by once; but for all that, to my thinking, he
was very loath to lay his fingers off it.
10. Rogues
Definition: noun; a dishonest person, especially somebody who is also likable
Example: (pg. 33) An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a
word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues.
11. Gait
Definition: noun; a way of walking, running, or moving along on foot
Example: (pg. 41) Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste. ‘Tis Cinna; I do know him
by his gait; he is a friend.
12. Countenance
Definition: noun; somebody's face, or the expression on it
Example: (pg. 42) O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; and that which would appear
offense in us, his countenance, like richest alchemy, will change to virtue and to worthiness.

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Act II

13. Alchemy
Definition: noun; an early, unscientific form of chemistry that sought to change base
metals into gold and discover a life-prolonging elixir
Example: (pg. 42) O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; and that which would appear
offense in us, his countenance, like richest alchemy, will change to virtue and to worthiness.
14. Taper
Definition: noun; a slim candle that is narrower at the top than at the bottom
Example: (pg. 43) Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. When it is lighted, come and call me
here.
15. Redress
Definition: verb; to provide compensation or reparation for a loss or wrong
experienced
Example: (pg. 45) Brutus, thou sleep’st; awake, and see thyself. Shall Rome, &c. Speak,
strike, redress. Brutus, thou sleep’st, awake.
16. Faction
Definition: noun; a group that is a minority within a larger group and has interests or
beliefs that are not always in harmony with the larger group
Example: (pg. 46) Let ‘em enter. They are the faction. O conspiracy, Sham’st thou to show
the dang’rous brow by night, when evils are most free?
17. Visage
Definition: noun; somebody's face or facial expression
Example: (pg. 46) O, then by day where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough to mask thy
monstrous visage?
18. Affability
Definition: noun; good-nature, friendliness, and ease to talk to
Example: (pg. 46) Seek none, conspiracy; hide it in smiles and affability: for if thou parth, thy
native semblance on, nor Erebus itself were dim enough to hide thee from prevention.
19. Gravity
Definition: noun; solemnity and seriousness in somebody's attitude or behavior
Example: (pg. 49) It shall be said his judgement ruled our hands; our youths and wildness
shall no whit appear, but all be buried in his gravity.
20. Contriver
Definition: noun; formulator of clever or deceitful schemes
Example: (pg. 50) I think it is not meet Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, should outlive
Caesar; we shall find of him a shrewd contriver; and you know, his means, if he improve
them, may well stretch so far as to annoy us all; which to prevent, let Antony and Caesar fall
together.
21. Prodigies
Definition: noun; something very impressive or amazing
Example: (pg. 51) But it is doubtful yet whether Caesar will come forth today or no; for he is
superstitious grown of late, quite from the main opinion he held once of fantasy, of dreams,
and ceremonies. It may be these apparent prodigies, and the persuasion of his augurers may
hold him from the Capitol today.
22. Augurers
Definition: noun; any soothsayer, prophet, or diviner that indicates what will happen in
the future
Example: (pg. 51) It may be these apparent prodigies, and the persuasion of his augurers
may hold him from the Capitol today.
23. Appertain
Definition: verb; to belong or relate to something

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 Example: (pg. 55) Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, is it excepted I should know
no secrets that appertain to you?
24. Harlot
Definition: noun; same as prostitute, whore
Example: (pg. 55) If it be no more, Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.
25. Bosom
Definition: noun; the chest of a man or woman
Example: (pg. 55) Portia, go in a while, and by and by thy bosom shall partake the secrets of
my heart.
26. Construe
Definition: verb; to interpret or understand the meaning of a word, gesture, or action in
a particular way
Example: (pg. 56) All my engagements I will construe to thee, all the charactery of my sad
brows.
27. Sufficeth
Definition: verb; to be enough for somebody or something
Example: (pg. 57) Set on your foot, and with a heart new-fired I follow you, to do I know not
what; but it sufficeth that Brutus leads me on.
28. Portents
Definition: noun; an indication that something, often something unpleasant, is going to
happen
Example: (pg. 60) And these does she apply for warnings and portents and evils imminent,
and on her knee hath begged that I will stay at home today.
29. Imminent
Definition: adjective; about to happen, or threatening to happen
Example: (pg. 60) And these does she apply for warnings and portents and evils imminent,
and on her knee hath begged that I will stay at home today.
30. Expounded
Definition: verb; to give a detailed description and explanation
Example: (pg. 61) This by Calphurnia’s dream is signified. And this way have you well
expounded it. I have, when you have heard what I can say; And know it now, the Senate
have concluded to give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
31. Emulation
Definition: noun; equal to something that is successful or admired
Example: (pg. 63) Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, and as a suitor will I give him this.
My heart laments that virtue cannot live out of the teeth of emulation.
32. Fray
Definition: noun; an argument, quarrel, or rowdy fight
Example: (pg. 64) I hear a bustling rumor like a fray, and the wind brings it from the Capitol.

Act III

33. Pulpit
Definition: noun; a raised platform or stand
Example: (pg. 70) Go to the pulpit, Brutus.
34. Abridged
Definition: verb; to shorten something
Example: (pg. 71) So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged his time of fearing death.
35. Corse
Definition: noun; a corpse
Example: (pg. 75) To see thy Anthony making his peace, shaking the bloody fingers of thy
foes, most noble, in the presence of thy corse? Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds, it
would become me better than to close in terms of friendship with thine enemies.
36. Discourse
Definition: verb; to speak or write about a subject in a formal context and at length

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 Example: (pg. 78) Yet stay awhile; thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse into the
market place; there shall I try in my oration how the people take the cruel issue of these
bloody men; according to which, thou shalt discourse to young Octavius of the state of things.
37. Plebeians
Definition: noun; common people
Example: (pg. 79) Enter Brutus and goes into the pulpit, and Cassius, with the plebeians.
38. Valiant
Definition: adjective; brave and courageous
Example: (pg. 80) As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as
he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.
39. Reverence
Definition: noun; feelings of deep respect or devotion
Example: (pg. 83) But yesterday the word of Caesar might have stood against the world; now
lies he there, and none so poor to do him reverence.
40. Bequeathing
Definition: verb; to leave personal or other property to somebody after death
Example: (pg. 84) Let but the commons hear this testament, which, pardon me, I do not mean
to read, and they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, and dip their napkins in his
sacred blood; yeah, beg a hair of him for memory, and dying, mention it within their wills,
bequeathing it as a rich legacy unto their issue.
41. Mantle
Definition: noun; a loose sleeveless cloak
Example: (pg. 85) You all do know this mantle; I remember the first time ever Caesar put it
on: ‘twas on a summer’s evening, in his tent, that day he overcame the Nervii.
42. Drachmas
Definition: noun; the main unit of the former Greek currency, before the euro
Example: (pg. 88) To ever Roman citizen he gives, to every several man, seventy-five
drachmas.
43. Tiber
Definition: noun; river of central Italy
Example: (pg. 88) Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, his private arbors, and new-
planted orchards, on this side Tiber; he hath left them you, and to your heirs forever: common
pleasures, to walk abroad and recreate yourselves.

Act IV

44. Triumvirate
Definition: noun; a group of three men who together were responsible for public
administration or civil authority in the government system of ancient Rome
Example: (pg. 91) Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus now govern the Roman Empire as a
triumvirate, or three-member ruling body.
45. Proscription
Definition: noun; the death sentence in Roman law, a person under this law could be
killed by anyone, and the killer had no fear of murder charges being brought against
him
Example: (pg. 92) So you thought him, and took his voice who should be pricked to die in our
black sentence and proscription.
46. Covert
Definition: adjective; not intended to be known, seen, or found out
Example: (pg. 93) Therefore let our alliance be combined, our best friends made, our means
stretched; and let us presently go sit in council how covert matters may be best disclosed,
and open perils surest answerèd.
47. Perils
Definition: noun; a source of possible or imagined harm

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 Example: (pg. 93) Therefore let our alliance be combined, our best friends made, our means
stretched; and let us presently go sit in council how covert matters may be best disclosed,
and open perils surest answerèd.
48. Sardis
Definition: noun; ancient city of Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey. It was the capital
city of Lydia and an early seat of Christianity.
Example: (pg. 93) Camp near Sardis. Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and the army.
49. Ho
Definition: interjection; used to attract somebody's attention
Example: (pg. 93) Stand ho! Give the word, ho! and stand.
50. Itching Palm
Definition: noun; eagerness or impatience to do something
Example: (pg. 96) Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an
itching palm, to sell and mart your offices for gold to undeservers. I an itching palm?
51. Choler
Definition: noun; anger or bad temper
Example: (pg. 97) Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a
madman stares?
52. Yokèd
Definition: verb; to connect a draft animal to a plow or vehicle, link things together
Example: (pg. 100) O Cassius, you are yokèd with a lamb that carries anger as the flint bears
fire, who, much enforcèd, shows a hasty spark, and straight is cold again.
53. Henceforth
Definition: adverb; from this time forward
Example: (pg. 101) Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth, when you are
over-earnest with your Brutus, he’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so.
54. Apparition
Definition: noun; an appearance of a supposed ghost or something ghostly
Example: (pg. 108) I think it was the weakness of mine eyes that shapes this monstrous
apparition.

Act V

55. Hie
Definition: verb; to go somewhere in a hurry
Example: (pg. 120) Hie you, Messala, and I will seek for Pindarus the while.
56. Moe
Definition: adjective; more
Example: (pg. 121) Friends, I owe moe tears to this dead man that you shall see me pay.
57. Ta’en
Definition: adjective; taken
Example: (pg. 123) Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta’en.