malignant having an evil influence.
man-like Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth I of England (1558-1603), characterized as having masculine qualities.
mien a way of looking; appearance.
miracle of holiness In a similar story of Hawthorne's, "The Minister's Black Veil," the clergyman experiences a similar sympathy from sharing the sin of his fellow men.
misanthropy distrust or hatred of people.
morion a hatlike, crested helmet with a curved brim coming to a peak in front and in back, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.
mutability ability to be changed.
Nathan the Prophet the biblical prophet who condemned David's adultery.
necromancy black magic; sorcery.
Nepenthe a drug supposed by the ancient Greeks to cause forgetfulness of sorrow.
New England Primer a book used to teach Puritan children their alphabet and reinforrce moral and spiritual lessons.
new Jerusalem another name for Boston; also, a place for sinners who have been saved.
New Jerusalem might mean Boston, the city on the hill.
nightshade, dogwood, henbane plants used as poisons and in witches charms.
nugatory trifling; worthless; invalid.
nymph-child a young maiden; here, Pearl.
obeisance homage, deference.
ordinations regulations, laws.
Oxford Oxford University in England.
