Words

Squall – A brief sudden violent windstorm. Cavalry – Horses or horsemen. Trough – A long, narrow, generally shallow receptacle for holding water or feed for animals. Consolation – A person or thing that is a source of comfort in a time of suffering. Confederates – One who assists in a plot. Fetter – Something that serves to restrict, a restraint. Anarchy – Absence of any form of political authority. Toiled – To labor continuously; work strenuously. Sodden – Thoroughly soaked. Abyss – An immeasurably deep chasm. Scree – Loose rocks or debris covering a slope. Chapter 19: Bedraggled – Wet, limp, soiled, deteriorated. Plying – To join together, joining together. Ransacked – To search or examine thoroughly. Incriminate – To accuse of a crime or other wrongful act. Strenuous – Requiring great effort, energy, or exertion. Nudged – To push against gently. Bide – To be left; remain, to wait Adversary – A person or group who is hostile to someone; enemy. Rapiers – A long, slender, two-edged sword with a cuplike hilt. Gesticulating – To make gestures especially while speaking, to emphasize. Bung – A stopper, especially for a barrel, cask, or keg. Adders – A snake, or one who adds. Chapter 20: Besiegers – To surround with hostile forces. Caldron – A large vessel used for boiling. Dale – A valley. Tyrant – An absolute rules who governs without restrictions. Skittish – Moving quickly and lively. Gelding – A castrated animal, especially a male horse. Sentinel – One that keeps guard; a sentry. Poise – A state of balance or equilibrium. Trice – A very short period of time; an instant. Ruse – An action intended to mislead; a trick. Centaur – A race of monsters having the top portion of a human and the rest a horse. Chapter 21: Knoll – A small rounded hill or mound. Tattoo – A design on the skin, a signal of drums/bugles, a military exercise. Cuirass – A piece of protecting armor for the torso. Halberd – An axe-like weapon with a long shaft. Reserve – To keep back, as for future use or special purpose. Placid – Undisturbed by tumult or disorder; calm or quiet. Chapter 22: Amiably – Friendly and agreeable in disposition; good-natured and likable. Ravenous – Extremely hungry; voracious. Gape – A large opening, to stare wonderingly. Yarn – A continuous strand of twisted threads. Veer – To turn aside from a course, direction, or purpose; swerve. Bogs – Certain wetland areas. Chasms – A deep, steep-sided opening in the earth’s surface; an abyss or gorge. Spouse – A marriage partner; husband or wife. Unkempt – Not properly maintained. Inaudible – Not loud enough to be heard. Colliery – A coal mine together with its physical plant and outbuildings. Mutton – The flesh of fully grown sheep. Morass – An area of low-lying, soggy ground. Floundered – To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one’s balance. Gamely – In a brave or sporting manner. Wrangle – To quarrel noisily or angrily; bicker. Chapter 23: Dwindling – To become gradually less until little remains. Furlong – A unit for measuring distance, equivalent to 1/8 mile (201 meters). Ramparts – A fortification consisting of an embankment. Visage – The face or facial expression of a person. Conjure – To call or bring to mind. Hordes – A vast crowd. Ramshackle – So poorly constructed that it is likely to disintegrate. Bolt – To move suddenly. Mime – A form of inaudible theatrical entertainment. Custody – The act or right of guarding, especially such a right granted by a court. Appalled – Struck with fear, dread, or consternation. Chapter 24: Tapestries – A heavy cloth woven with rich designs or scenes. Minstrel – A medieval entertainer who travels from place to place. Hubbub – Loud noise, confusion. Sconces – A decorative wall bracket for holding candles or lights. Attired – To dress or clothe, especially in elaborate garments. Ermine – A weasel of northern regions that in winter its fur turns white. Skulking – To lie in hiding; lurk. Salvo – A simultaneous discharge of firearms. Stalwart – Having or marked by imposing physical strength. Chapter 25: S pirited – Full of or characterized by animation, vigor, or courage. Tottered – To sway as if about to fall. Sovereign – One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other government unit. Dawdle – To make more time than necessary. Gallivanting – To roam about in search of pleasure or amusement. Cambric – A finely woven white linen or cotton fabric. Nursery – A room or area in a household set apart for the use of children. Tactlessly – Lacking or exhibiting a lack of tact; bluntly inconsiderate or indiscreet. Boon – A benefit bestowed, especially one bestowed in response to a request. Shrewd – Characterized by keen awareness, sharp intelligence, and often a sense of the practical. Prophet – A person who speaks by divine inspiration through whom the will of a god is expressed.