Middle School Gifted and Talented Vocabulary for "The Griffin and the Minor Canon" by Frank Stockton

1. VOCABULARY SET: THE
GRIFFIN AND THE MINOR
CANON
Monday, March 2, 2020
Quiz: Monday, March 9th

2. ASCERTAIN
To find out definitely; learn with certainty.
He needed to ascertain the facts of the
case before the trial.

3. GROTESQUE
Odd or unnatural in shape, appearance,
or character; bizarre
The statue’s grotesque appearance was
repelling.

4. SUBORDINATE
Placed in or belonging to a lower order,
position, or rank.
The poor minor canon was the most
subordinate clergyman in the parish.

5. GRATIFICATION
A feeling of profound satistfation.
When she found a much better job than
her previous position, she was filled with
gratification.

6. MINOR CANON
A low-ranking member of the clergy; often
required to perform the less pleasant tasks
that higher-ranking clergy avoid.
The minor canon was required to deliver the
6:00am service, with only two little old ladies
attending with their cats. The other clergy
took the opportunity to sleep in.

7. EQUINOX
Occurring in the spring and the fall. At the
time of the equinox, the hours of daylight
and darkness are approximately equal.
The griffin only ate on the two equinoxes,
fasting throughout the rest of the year.

8. AVOCATION
A spare time activity that is not part of
your formal work; a hobby
Whitewater kayaking is one of my
avocations.

9. DEVASTATION
Great destruction or damage; severe or
overwhelming grief or shock
It is difficult to quantify the devastation
wrought by the 1964 Great Alaska
Earthquake.

10. CONSTERNATION
Great fear or dismay
The griffin’s fierce countenance filled the
minor canon with consternation.

11. DISCONSOLATE
Very sad; hopeless; despairing
The news that he must leave his home left
the minor canon disconsolate.