Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address

Glossary

• animation the state or act of showing vigor or zest
• arraignment formal charge or accusation of wrongdoing
• auspices favorable signs
• billows waves or surges
• bulwarks solid wall-like structures built for defense
• constellation assemblage or collection
• creed a set of fundamental beliefs
• despotism a government of absolute power
• dispensations general arrangements or orders of things; provisions
• felicities instances of great happiness
• handmaid assistant or aid
• indulgence leniency or generosity; tolerance
• Infinite Power God
• presentiments feelings that something is about to happen; premonitions
• repair travel; proceed
• sheet anchor something that constitutes a main support or dependence
• solicitude attentive care and protectiveness
• sovereign supreme
• throes painful effects of a struggle
• touchstone a standard or criterion by which to judge
• transcendent superior; beyond ordinary limits or categories