The Only Use of
defunct
in
The Scarlet Letter
- The earliest riser, coming forth in the dim twilight, would perceive a vaguely-defined figure aloft on the place of shame; and half-crazed betwixt alarm and curiosity, would go knocking from door to door, summoning all the people to behold the ghost—as he needs must think it—of some defunct transgressor.†
p. 101.9
Definition:
no longer in force; or having ceased to exist or live