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    I'm reading Moby Dick and the word "molest" is used quite often. Given Melville's sense of humor, can you tell me the exact meaning of the word 'molest' as used by Melville in Moby Dick?

    Question #40535. Asked by mancandy. (Oct 29 03 4:24 PM)


    Kainantu

    		Extract: “Then the Captain knows that Jonah is a fugitive; but at the same time resolves to help a flight that paves its rear with gold. Yet when Jonah fairly takes out his purse, prudent suspicions still molest the Captain.”

    In this case, and no doubt all of the others you are referring to, it means to be annoyed or disturbed. The captain was very suspicious of Jonah.

    Molest is a transitive verb. Middle English, from Middle French molester, from Latin molestare, from molestus burdensome, annoying; akin to Latin moles mass
    Date: 14th century
    1 : to annoy, disturb, or persecute especially with hostile intent or injurious effect.


    Nov 01 03, 4:34 AM

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