Jew's Harp (n): a small musical instrument that is played by plucking a piece of metal while holding the instrument to one's mouth. mad dog (adj. + n.): a dog infected with a disease, such as rabies, which makes it act in a crazy, dangerous manner mausoleum (n.): Literally, a mausoleum is a large, imposing tomb (a tomb is a place where dead bodies -- those that aren't buried -- are housed). However, Miss Maudie uses the term in its humorous form. She refers to her old house as a mausoleum because, to her, it was too large and too somber. peril (n.): danger
Providence (n.): the care of God rudiments (n.): principles; elements; subjects to be learned tartly (adv.): sharply torso (n.): the trunk of a body; that is, the part of the body that does not include the head, legs, or arms vaguely (adv.): to be vague is to be unclear or not precise
Chapter 11 - Vocabulary apoplectic (adj.): Apoplexy is a condition of sudden paralysis; a stroke. To be apoplectic, in this case, is to behave as if on the verge of having a stroke. arbor (n): an outdoor area shaded by trees or, in this case, scuppernong vines on a lattice. bedecked (adj.): adorned; covered (with decorations) calomel (n.): a laxative; often used as a cure for