- sequesteredadjectiveChapter 1 →
Hidden away and cut off from the outside world; tucked into a remote, sheltered spot where few outsiders ever venture.
- somnolentadjectiveChapter 1 →
Drowsy and slow-moving, as if in a half-sleep; used here to describe the dreamy, tranquil atmosphere that hangs over the valley.
- pecuniaryadjectiveChapter 1 →
Relating to money and financial matters; here describing ambitions or advantages measured in cash or property rather than honour or rank.
- pedagoguenounChapter 1 →
A schoolteacher, especially one who is strict or pedantic; in this period the word often carries a slightly comic or pompous tone.
- apparitionnounChapter 1 →
A ghost or ghostly figure that suddenly appears; a supernatural vision rather than a living person.
- prodigiousadjectiveChapter 1 →
Remarkably large or impressive in size, amount, or degree; far beyond what is ordinary or expected.
- superstitionnounChapter 1 →
A belief that certain events, objects, or actions have magical or supernatural power, not supported by reason or evidence.
- specternounChapter 1 →
A ghost or frightening phantom; the visible spirit of a dead person believed to haunt a particular place.
- headless horsemanphraseChapter 1 →
The central ghostly figure of local legend: the spirit of a Hessian soldier killed by a cannonball, said to ride at night in search of his missing head.
- HessianadjectiveChapter 1 →
Relating to German mercenary soldiers from the state of Hesse who fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War.
- cholericadjectiveChapter 1 →
Quick to anger; easily irritated and hot-tempered in manner or disposition.
- gallantnounChapter 1 →
A fashionable young man who pays elaborate, showy attention to women; a suitor who makes a point of charming the ladies.
- bodingadjectiveChapter 1 →
Suggesting that something bad or ominous is about to happen; carrying a sense of dark foreboding or ill omen.
- ostentatiousadjectiveChapter 1 →
Showy and designed to impress others; displaying wealth, knowledge, or ability in an exaggerated way to attract admiration.
- cognomennounChapter 1 →
A nickname or distinguishing name attached to a person, often reflecting a notable trait or deed; here used for an informal label rather than a formal surname.
- psalmodynounChapter 1 →
The practice of singing or chanting psalms, especially as part of a church service; here referring to Ichabod's role leading congregational hymn-singing.
- quilting frolicphraseChapter 1 →
A social gathering, common in early American rural life, where neighbours met to sew a quilt together and enjoy food, gossip, and entertainment.
- swainnounChapter 1 →
A young male admirer or suitor, especially one from a rural background; a country lad courting a young woman.
- coquetrynounChapter 1 →
Flirtatious behaviour intended to attract admiration without any serious romantic commitment; playful teasing of potential suitors.
- anonadverbChapter 1 →
Shortly; very soon; used as an old-fashioned way of saying 'in a little while' or 'before long.'
- impunitynounChapter 1 →
Freedom from punishment or harmful consequences; the ability to do something without suffering any penalty for it.
- sylvanadjectiveChapter 1 →
Relating to or characteristic of woods and forests; pleasantly rural and tree-covered in a picturesque way.
- rantipoleadjectiveChapter 1 →
Wild, reckless, and boisterously unruly in behaviour; an old dialect word for someone who acts in a rowdy, devil-may-care manner.
The Legend of Sleepy HollowShort story by Washington Irving