Catcher and Rye Vocab
Composition and Literature
The Catcher in the Rye
Vocabulary List #2—Write out the complete sentence for each of the following vocabulary words. Write the definition as it’s used in the novel.
1. Fiend (47) • He was a Canasta fiend. • A person who is excessively fond of or addicted to something
2. Gladstones (51) • I lit a cigarette and got all dressed and then I packed these two Gladstones I have. • A bag like a briefcase having two equal compartments joined by a hinge.
3. Conscientious (55) • “Some of the faculty are pretty conscientious. • Wishing to do what is right, esp. to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly
4. Humble (84) • Anyway, when he was finished, and everybody was clapping their heads off, old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow. • Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
5. Crocked (86) • In the first place, they were both slightly crocked. • Drunk
6. Galoshes (88) • Hidden in his goddamn galoshes or something, for instance. • A waterproof overshoe typically made of rubber.
7. Rile (89) • What I might do, I might say something very cutting and snotty, to rile him up-instead of socking him in the jaw. • Make someone annoyed or irritated
8. Nonchalant (90) • I just got very cool and nonchalant. • Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
9. Rake (93) • He was a real rake and all, but he knocked women out. • Like a player kind of.
10. Clavichord (96) • “On my wuddayacallit-my clavichord.” • A small, rectangular keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the ends of key levers that gently press the strings, popular from the early 15th to early 19th centuries.
11. Recuperating (97) • “I’m still recuperating,” I told her. • Recover from illness or
The Catcher in the Rye
Vocabulary List #2—Write out the complete sentence for each of the following vocabulary words. Write the definition as it’s used in the novel.
1. Fiend (47) • He was a Canasta fiend. • A person who is excessively fond of or addicted to something
2. Gladstones (51) • I lit a cigarette and got all dressed and then I packed these two Gladstones I have. • A bag like a briefcase having two equal compartments joined by a hinge.
3. Conscientious (55) • “Some of the faculty are pretty conscientious. • Wishing to do what is right, esp. to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly
4. Humble (84) • Anyway, when he was finished, and everybody was clapping their heads off, old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow. • Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
5. Crocked (86) • In the first place, they were both slightly crocked. • Drunk
6. Galoshes (88) • Hidden in his goddamn galoshes or something, for instance. • A waterproof overshoe typically made of rubber.
7. Rile (89) • What I might do, I might say something very cutting and snotty, to rile him up-instead of socking him in the jaw. • Make someone annoyed or irritated
8. Nonchalant (90) • I just got very cool and nonchalant. • Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
9. Rake (93) • He was a real rake and all, but he knocked women out. • Like a player kind of.
10. Clavichord (96) • “On my wuddayacallit-my clavichord.” • A small, rectangular keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the ends of key levers that gently press the strings, popular from the early 15th to early 19th centuries.
11. Recuperating (97) • “I’m still recuperating,” I told her. • Recover from illness or