The Only Use of
John the Baptist
in
The Scarlet Letter
- The wide circumference of an elaborate ruff, beneath his grey beard, in the antiquated fashion of King James's reign, caused his head to look not a little like that of John the Baptist in a charger.†
p. 74.2John the Baptist = New Testament: a preacher, and hermit, and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized)
Definition:
New Testament: a preacher, and hermit, and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized); beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome