Study Words from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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CHAPTER I.

wind up
v. find yourself in an unexpected and usually unpleasant situation, especially as a result of what you do

dismal
a. sad and without hope

grumble
v. make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath

victuals
n. food and drink

snuff
n. tobacco in the form of a powder for breathing into the nose

goggle
a. a stare with protruding eyes

middling
a. moderate or average in size, amount, or rank

fidgety
a. nervous and unable to relax

scrunch
v. sit on one's heels v. make wrinkles or creases on a smooth surface

harp
n. a large, wooden musical instrument with many strings that you play with the fingers

reckon
v. judge to be probable v. have faith or confidence in

budge
v. move very slightly

shrivel
v. decrease in size, range, or extent

CHAPTER II.

scrape
v. (cause to) rub against a surface so that slight damage or an unpleasant noise is produced

trance
n. a temporary mental condition in which someone is not completely conscious

unhitch
v. unfasten or release from or as if from a hitch

skiff
n. any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

poke
v. (cause something to) appear or stretch out from behind or through something else

carcass
n. the dead body of an animal

blot
v. dry a wet surface, or writing done in ink, by pressing something soft against it

square
a. equal or level

burglary
n. crime of illegally entering a building and stealing things

muddled
a. in a state of bewildered or bewildering confusion or disorder

dog-tired
a. extremely tired

CHAPTER III.

going-over
n. a careful look at all the parts of a thing or place, in order to find something

providence
n. the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

whale
v. strike or hit vigorously

sober
a. not affected by alcohol; not drunk

hog
n. a pig, especially one that is allowed to grow large so that it can be eaten

turnip
n. widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root

powwow
v. hold a powwow, talk, conference or meeting

parcel
n. a quantity or amount of something, especially as dealt with in one commercial transaction

ambuscade
n. the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise

slick
v. give a smooth and glossy appearance

scour
v. clean with hard rubbing

lick
v. find the solution to (a problem or question) v. take up with the tongue

bust
v. break open or apart suddenly and forcefully

numskull
n. a stupid person; these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence

hash
v. cut into small pieces

flat-head
n. a foolish person

saphead
n. a stupid person

CHAPTER IV.

raspy
a. unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound

salt-cellar
n. a container for storing salt, now typically a closed container in the lid for sprinkling

poke
v. involve yourself or take part in (something) that is not your responsibility

stile
n. an upright that is a member in a door or window frame

quarry
n. a person or animal being hunted or looked for

devil
n. a cruel wicked and inhuman person

shin
v. climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

slick
a. having a smooth, shiny surface

greasy
a. covered with or full of fat or oil

CHAPTER V.

tan
v. thrash, whip

jolt
n. a sudden violent movement

hitch
v. fasten or tether with a rope

bust
v. break open or apart suddenly and forcefully

tilt
v. incline or bend from a vertical position

starchy
a. rigidly formal

frill
n. ornamental objects of no great value

take down a peg
v. make (someone) feel less important or proud

meddle
v. intrude in other people's affairs or business

whack
n. the sound made by a sharp swift blow

dandy
n. a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

bullyrag
v. intimidate by bullying

cowhide
v. flog with a cowhide whip

whoop
v. give a loud, excited shout, especially to show your enjoyment of or agreement with something

temperance
n. control of your own behaviour, such as not drinking or eating too much

porch
n. a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

stanchion
n. any vertical post or rod used as a support

forty-rod
n. whiskey especially when cheap and strong

fiddler
n. someone who manipulates in a nervous or unconscious manner

take soundings
v. try to find out people's opinions on a subject

CHAPTER VI.

thrash
v. hit a person or animal hard many times as a punishment

dodge
v. make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid

spite
v. hurt the feelings of

skiff
n. any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

jolly
a. happy and smiling

peck
v. give someone a quick kiss, especially on the side of the face

welt
n. a raised, red area of skin caused by being hit or by cuts healing

chink
n. a small narrow crack or opening

cramped
a. constricted in size

stow
v. fill by packing tightly

wadding
n. any soft material used for filling a space, especially in order to protect something

holler
n. a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)

swig
n. act of swallowing a large amount of a drink in a single action

cane
n. a long stick used especially by old, ill, or blind people to help them walk

nabob
n. a wealthy man (especially one who made his fortune in the Orient)

prowl
v. move about in or as if in a predatory manner

infernal
a. extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell

shin
n. the front part of your leg between your knee and your foot

delirium
n. a state of being unable to think or speak clearly because of fever or mental confusion

delirium tremens
n. a physical condition, drinking too much, in which you shake without stopping and see imaginary things

fag
v. exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

by and by
ad. after a short period

wallow
v. rise up as if in waves

clasp-knife
n. a knife with a blade that folds into the handle

ramrod
n. a long, thin rod used for pushing explosives, bullets, etc. into old types of gun

CHAPTER VII.

budge
v. move very slightly

roust
v. cause to get up or start moving; treat roughly;

palaver
v. speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

limb
n. a large branch of a tree

gully
n. a narrow valley or channel with steep sides, made by a fast-flowing stream

shanty
n. small crude shelter used as a dwelling

bead
n. a small knob forming the front sight of a gun

prowl
v. move about in or as if in a predatory manner

shove
v. push roughly

speck
n. a slight but appreciable amount n. a tiny piece of anything

wadding
n. soft, thick material used to line garments or pack fragile items;

gourd
n. a large fruit that has a hard shell and cannot be eaten, or the shell of this fruit used as a container

skillet
n. a pan used for frying foods

slough
n. an area of soft, wet land

sift
v. distinguish and separate out

whetstone
n. fine-grained stone used for sharpening cutting tools;

slink
v. walk stealthily

abreast
ad. used to say that two or more people are next to each other and moving in the same direction

rip
v. tear or be torn violently, pull apart

mumble
v. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

dent
n. an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)

creep
v. grow or spread, often in such a way as to cover (a surface)

stern
n. the rear part of a ship

CHAPTER VIII.

freckled
a. having small, pale brown spots on the skin, usually on the face

sift
v. distinguish and separate out

jabber
v. talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner

doze off
v. start to sleep, especially during the day

quicksilver
n. the liquid metal mercury

dab
n. a light touch or stroke

munch
v. chew noisily

haggle
v. cut roughly or clumsily

swash
v. make violent, noisy movements

sneak
v. put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner

brash
a. offensively bold

bust
v. break open or apart suddenly and forcefully

fantods
n. (pl) a state of irritability and tension

loll
v. hang loosely or laxly v. be lazy or idle

CHAPTER IX.

cavern
n. any large dark enclosed space; a large cave

bunch
v. pull together or gather into a unit

hogshead
n. a large cask or barrel

thrash
v. move from side to side in a violent or uncontrolled way

hunk
n. a large piece of something without definite shape

bluff
n. a high steep bank

tame
a. very restrained or quiet

budge
v. move very slightly

charcoal
n. a hard, black substance similar to coal that can be used as fuel or, in the form of sticks to draw with

calico
n. coarse cloth with a bright print

speckled
a. covered or marked with large number of small spots or patches of colour;

seedy
a. shabby and untidy a. morally degraded

trunk
n. luggage consisting of a large strong case used when traveling or for storage

tallow
n. obtained from suet and used in making soap, candles and lubricants

hatchet
n. weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians

vial
n. a small bottle that contains a drug

curry-comb
n. a comb made of rows of metallic teeth and used especially to curry horses

haul
n. pull something heavy slowly and with difficulty

CHAPTER X.

rummage
v. search for something by moving things around carelessly and looking into, under, and behind them

rake in
v. earn or get a large amount of money

varmint
n. troublesome wild animal

rattle
n. the part of a rattlesnake's tail that produces a noise

brag
v. speak too proudly about what you have done or what you own

edgeways
ad. with the narrowest part going first

catfish
n. a fish with a flat head and long hairs around its mouth that lives in rivers or lakes

spool
n. a cylinder that is wider at each end, around which esp. thread, wire, or film is wrapped

peddle
v. travel about with wares for sale

britches
n. (pl) trousers, especially those that do not cover the whole of the leg

CHAPTER XI.

clatter
n. talking noisily or rapidly

lot
n. one's way of life or worldly fate

nigh
ad. near in time or place or relationship

lynch
v. kill someone who has not been found guilty of a crime at a legal trial

bother
v. cause inconvenience or discomfort to

sly
a. marked by skill in deception

cornered
a. forced into place or situation from which it is hard to escape

bang
v. strike violently

hank
n. a coil of rope or wool or yarn

yarn
n. a fine cord of twisted fibers

poke fun at
v. make someone seem stupid by making jokes about them or laughing unkindly

make a clean breast
v. speak openly and honestly

hocus
v. deceive

contrive
v. make or work out a plan for, devise

hump
v. round one's back by bending forward and drawing the shoulders forward

cove
n. a small inlet n. small or narrow cave in the side of a cliff or mountain

CHAPTER XII.

towhead
n. a ridge of sand built up by currents especially in a river or in coastal waters

harrow
n. an implement consisting of a heavy frame set with teeth or tines which is dragged over plowed land

jabber
v. talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner

snug
a. offering safety; well protected or concealed

wigwam
n. a Native American lodge frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides

dirt
n. dust, soil, or any substance that makes a surface not clean

sloppy
a. wet or smeared with a spilled liquid or moist material

snag
n. an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart

water-fowl
n. ducks, geese, or other large aquatic birds

slink
v. walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed

pilot-house
n. a deckhouse for a ship's helmsman containing the steering wheel, compass, and navigating equipment

texas
n. a structure on the awning deck of a steamer that contains the officers' cabins

rummage
v. search for something by moving things around carelessly and looking into

sneak
v. put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner

fend
v. try to manage without help v. withstand the force of something

wail
v. emit long loud cries

derrick
n. a type of crane, used for moving things on and off ships

betwixt
ad. in the interval

shrivel
v. wither, as with a loss of moisture v. decrease in size, range, or extent

blubber
v. cry in a noisy way like a child

crawfish
v. make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity

slant
v. (cause to) lean in a position that is not vertical

moan
n. an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

CHAPTER XIII.

stern
n. the rear part of a ship

prowl
v. move about in or as if in a predatory manner

scrabble
v. use your fingers to quickly find something that you cannot see

shutter
n. a hinged blind for a window

skylight
n. a window in a roof to admit daylight

jerk
v. move with abrupt, seemingly uncontrolled motions

careen
v. move sideways or in an unsteady way

yarn
n. the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

scrape
n. a difficult or slightly dangerous situation that you cause by your own silly behaviour

boom
v. make a deep hollow sound

let up
v. diminish or slow down

whimper
v. cry weakly or softly

plunder
n. goods or money obtained illegally

hustle
v. move or cause to move energetically or busily

jackstaff
n. short staff at ship's bow

roost
v. sit, as on a branch

bitt
n. a strong post (as on a wharf or quay or ship for attaching mooring lines)

dang
a. used for emphasis

tavern
n. a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

slant
n. a biased way of looking at or presenting something

CHAPTER XIV.

gaudy
n. having too many bright colors

bug
v. of the eyes: protrude, bulge, often used with out

whack
n. the sound made by a sharp swift blow

harem
n. living quarters reserved for wives and concubines and female relatives in a Muslim household

flutter
v. move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

CHAPTER XV.

sapling
n. young tree

budge
v. move very slightly

fidgety
a. nervous and unable to relax

whoop
v. give a loud, excited shout, especially to show your enjoyment of or agreement with something

tear
v. move very quickly

tangle
v. disarrange or rumple; dishevel

snag
n. an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart

cut bank
n. a steep bare slope formed typically by stream erosion

dodge
n. a clever, dishonest way of avoiding something

claw
v. move as if by clawing, seizing, or digging

jest
n. something that is said or done in order to be funny

aggravate
v. make worse v. exasperate or irritate

CHAPTER XVI.

scow
n. a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting bulk material

green hand
n. an unusual ability to make plants grow

scorch
v. burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color

fidget
v. move restlessly

ell
n. a former English unit of length (as for cloth) equal to 45 inches

flat-footed
ad. in an open and determined manner

in a sweat
ad. very nervous or worried about something

tuck
n. active bodily or mental strength or force

spunk
n. the courage to carry on

buckle
v. apply oneself with vigor

infernal
a. extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell

square
ad. in a straightforward or honest manner

heave
v. throw with great effort

confound
v. be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly

blubber
v. utter while weeping

nab
v. take into custody

trot-line
n. a long heavy fishing line to which several hooks are attached in series

yell
n. a loud sharp penetrating cry or noise

churn
v. stir or agitate violently

CHAPTER XVII.

prowl
v. move about in or as if in a predatory manner

budge
v. move very slightly

wince
n. the facial expression of sudden pain

pry
v. move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

fret
v. worry unnecessarily or excessively

cob pipe
n. a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of a corncob

slouch
n. an awkward fellow

rattle
v. make short successive sounds

tucker
v. tire extremely or completely

outlandish
a. of or relating to another country

crockery
n. cups, plates, bowls, etc., used to serve food and drink, especially made of china

bag
v. bulge out; form a bulge outward, or be so full as to appear to bulge

crayon
n. writing implement consisting of a colored stick of composition wax used for writing and drawing

reticule
n. a woman's drawstring handbag

pensive
a. deeply or seriously thoughtful

mash
v. talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions

locket
n. a small ornamental case, usually contains a picture or a lock of hair and is worn on a necklace

fan-tods
n. (pl) a state of irritability and tension

scrap-book
n. a blank book in which various items are collected and preserved

obituary
n. a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography

tribute
n. something given or done as an expression of esteem

bushels
n. (pl) a large quantity

CHAPTER XVIII.

aristocracy
n. the most powerful members of a society n. a privileged class holding hereditary titles

paly
a. somewhat pale

complexion
n. texture and appearance of the skin of the face

mahogany
n. a dark red-brown wood used to make furniture

flicker
v. appear or pass briefly or quickly v. flash intermittently

cloud bank
n. a big, low mass of cloud

decanter
n. a bottle with a stopper; for serving wine or water

mite
n. a very little

tumbler
n. a glass with a flat bottom but no handle or stem

wilt
v. lose strength

junket
n. a trip made by an official at public expense

clan
n. group of people related by blood or marriage

pommel
n. the usually rounded part that sticks up at the front of a saddle

dodge
v. make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid

crib
n. a bin or granary for storing grains

carve
v. engrave or cut by chipping away at a surface

nip and tuck
a. being so close that the lead or advantage shifts rapidly from one opponent to another

pepper
v. hit with or as if with rapid repeated blows

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

preaching
n. an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

puncheon
n. a split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed

ransack
v. search thoroughly

swamp
n. low land that is seasonally flooded; has more woody plants than a marsh and better drainage than a bog

cavort
v. engage in extravagant behavior

squat
v. occupy (a dwelling) illegally

devilment
n. reckless mischief

crick
n. a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a river

cramped
a. constricted in size

smothery
a. airless

CHAPTER XIX.

screak
v. make a harsh shrill noise

jumble
v. mix up in a confused or untidy way

snag
n. an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart

gar
n. freshwater garfish of North America

galoot
n. a disreputable or clumsy man

crawly
a. producing a nervous shivery apprehension

belch
v. expel gas from the stomach

wink
v. gleam or glow intermittently

powwow
n. an American Indian meeting or gathering for making decisions or for ceremonies or celebrations

chute
n. sloping channel through which things can descend

battered
a. injured by repeated blows or punishment

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

enamel
n. any smooth glossy coating that resembles ceramic glaze

pert
a. (esp. of a young woman) energetic, enthusiastic, and confident

uppish
a. arrogantly self-assertive

forlorn
a. marked by or showing hopelessness

huffy
a. quick to take offense a. roused to anger

humbug
n. deceptive talk or behaviour; boiled sweet

CHAPTER XX.

one-horse
a. small and insignificant

overhaul
v. examine thoroughly

tick
n. the fabric case of a mattress, pillow, or bolster

cob
n. a rounded mass, lump, or heap

haughty
a. showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior

white-caps
n. (pl) waves crest breaking into white foam

sockdolager
n. forceful blow; exceptional person or thing;

snag
n. tree or branch embedded in a lake or stream bed and constituting a hazard to navigation

ratty
a. resembling or characteristic of rat, bad-tempered and irritable;

phrenology
n. a now abandoned study of the shape of skull as indicative of the strengths of different faculties

tread the boards
v. perform on a stage as an actor

ruffled
a. having flowers or leaves with wavy edges

calico
n. coarse cloth with a bright print

spread-eagle
a. boastful exaggeration

prance
v. walk or move in a spirited manner

trough
n. a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed

stomp
v. walk heavily

on the sly
ad. in a manner intended to avoid notice

hymn
n. a song of praise or joy

brazen
a. marked by shameless or disrespectful boldness

contrite
a. feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses

swab
v. apply (usually a liquid) to a surface

CHAPTER XXI.

chipper
v. mark by a gay lightness and vivacity

bray
v. laugh loudly and harshly

jackass
n. stupid person; male ass or donkey;

lath
n. a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster

encore
n. an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand

soliloquy
n. a (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of unspoken reflections

sublime
a. inspiring awe a. worthy of adoration or reverence

stagger
v. walk as if unable to control one's movements

moan
n. an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

knock spots off
v. be much better than (someone or something)

calamity
n. an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

loaf
v. spend time in idleness

shackly
a. having joints apparently not closely articulated

stilt
n. a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure

awning
n. a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun

whittle
v. cut small bits or pare shavings from

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

plug
n. a flat compressed cake of tobacco

gnaw
v. bite or chew on with the teeth

sarcastic
a. expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds

sow
n. an adult female hog

turpentine
n. a strong-smelling, colorless liquid used to thin paint

sass
v. answer back in an impudent or insolent manner

vittles
n. (pl) supplies of food

sober
a. completely lacking in playfulness

blackguard
v. subject to laughter or ridicule

claw
v. move as if by clawing, seizing, or digging

squirm
v. move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

scrouge
v. press on

jaw
v. talk especially abusively, indignantly

lanky
a. tall and thin

lynch
v. kill without legal sanction

CHAPTER XXII.

whoop
v. be rushed through by acclamation or with noisy support

tromp
v. walk heavily

mush
n. something soft and spongy or shapeless

buck
n. man

wench
n. informal terms for a (young) woman

paling
n. a fence made of upright pickets

racket
n. a loud confused noise

sneaky
a. furtive

pluck
n. courageous

cast-out
v. drive out

droop
v. hang loosely or laxly

bully
a. very good of its kind

parasol
n. a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

airy
a. open to or abounding in fresh air

rein
n. one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse

knuckle
n. a joint of a finger when the fist is closed

hump
v. round one's back by bending forward and drawing the shoulders forward

cavort
v. play boisterously

bridle
n. the headgear with which a horse is governed

sot
n. a chronic drinker

astraddle
ad. with legs stretched widely on each side;

afire
a. lighted up by or as by fire or flame

reel
v. turn or move round and round

sheepish
a. showing a sense of shame

lunkhead
n. slow-witted person

CHAPTER XXIII.

tend
v. have care of or look after v. manage or run

outfit
n. a set of clothes worn for a particular occasion or activity

caper
v. run and jump about in an energetic, happy way

cram
v. put something somewhere so that the space is completely filled

shin
v. climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

dicken
n. an evil spirit

gaudy
n. marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness

pan out
v. happen, end, or develop in a particular way

mum
a. failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to

hog
v. take in excess of one's due

heave
v. throw with great effort

whack
v. strike with a smart or resounding blow

collar
v. get control of

ram
n. a male sheep

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

CHAPTER XXIV.

shingle
n. a small signboard

lath
n. a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster

duds
n. informal terms for clothing

starchy
a. rigidly formal

pious
a. marked by conspicuous religiosity

scoot
v. run or move very quickly or hastily

jake
a. all right

swab
v. apply (usually a liquid) to a surface

dissenter
n. a person who dissents from some established policy

hustle
v. move or cause to move energetically or busily

slouch
n. an awkward fellow

yawl
n. a ship's small boat

blubber
v. utter while weeping

disciple
n. someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another

CHAPTER XXV.

hunch
v. push or put (someone or something) in a rough, careless, or hasty manner

droop
v. hang loosely or laxly

slobber
v. allow saliva or food to run out of the mouth

flapdoodle
n. nonsense

slush
n. partly melted or watery snow

bust
n. a complete failure

hogwash
n. unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements)

passel
n. large group of people or things

saphead
n. a stupid person

paw
v. touch clumsily

sift
v. distinguish and separate out

bust
v. break open or apart suddenly and forcefully

dodge
n. an act of evading by sudden bodily movement

rake
v. search in a container by moving the contents around quickly

vale
n. a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

iron-jawed
a. rigorously determined

orgy
n. an occasion when a group of people behave in a wild uncontrolled way

afflict
v. cause great unhappiness for; distress

lingo
n. a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)

impostor
n. a person who makes deceitful pretenses

stomp
v. walk heavily

CHAPTER XXVI.

cot
n. a small bed that folds up for storage or transport

garret
n. floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

pallet
n. a portable platform for storing or moving goods that are stacked on it

frock
n. a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

trunk
n. luggage consisting of a large strong case used when traveling or for storage

knickknack
n. a small inexpensive mass-produced article

jimcrack
n. a showy object of little use or value

cubby
n. a small, snug place (as for hiding or storage)

ornery
a. having a difficult and contrary disposition

humbug
n. deceptive talk or behaviour; boiled sweet;

blest
a. highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

pew
n. long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation

pulpit
n. a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

eavesdrop
v. listen without the speaker's knowledge

passel
n. large group of people or things;

cram
v. put something somewhere so that the space is completely filled

CHAPTER XXVII.

parlor
n. a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

row
n. a noisy disturbance or quarrel

racket
n. confused clattering noise

whack
n. the sound made by a sharp swift blow

droop
v. hang loosely or laxly; sink gradually

sneak
v. put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner

mush
n. a thick porridge made with cornmeal boiled in water or milk

hog
v. take or use in a way that keeps others from having or using

sly
n. wise in practical affairs

congregation
n. a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

tickle
v. touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause movements

chip in
v. give or supply (something, such as money or time) as a part or share

bill
v. announce (something, such as a performance) especially by posters or placards

jolt
n. an abrupt, sharp, jerky blow or movement

flatfooted
ad. in an open and determined manner

raspy
a. unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound

song
n. a small amount

snarl
v. make an angry vicious expression

sass
v. answer back in an impudent or insolent manner

CHAPTER XXVIII.

budge
v. move very slightly

blest
a. highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

shoal
n. a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide

shove
v. press or force v. push roughly

grit
n. fortitude and determination

sand
n. firm resolution

numskull
n. a stupid person; these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence

harrow
n. a cultivator that pulverizes or smooths the soil

slouch
n. one that is unimpressive, a lazy or incompetent person

hitch
v. catch or fasten by or as if by a hook or knot

muggins
n. (pl) person lacking in common sense

chip
v. break off in small pieces

goody-goody
a. affectedly or ingratiatingly good or proper

CHAPTER XXIX.

nary
a. (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for 'not a' or 'not one' or 'never a'

jug
n. a container for holding liquids that has a handle and a shaped opening at the top for pouring

candid
a. openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness

blether
v. talk foolishly

tavern
n. a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

nuts
a. informal or slang terms for mentally irregular; filled with or marked by enthusiasm

complice
n. one that accompanies another

yarn
n. the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

chaw
v. chew without swallowing

snake
v. move (something, such as logs) by dragging

wag
v. move from side to side

cussed
a. stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

warble
v. sing by changing register; sing by yodeling

sqush
v. press or beat into a pulp or a flat mass

blister
n. (botany) a swelling on a plant similar to that on the skin

flitter
v. move back and forth very rapidly

betwixt
ad. in the interval

flicker
n. flashing intermittently

scrouge
v. press close

sluice
n. a stream flowing through a floodgate

whoop
n. a loud hooting cry of exultation or excitement

thrash
v. beat soundly with or as if with a stick or whip

hump
v. round one's back by bending forward and drawing the shoulders forward

fagged
a. extremely tired

wilt
v. lose strength

CHAPTER XXX.

holt
n. grip or hold

cheeky
a. offensively bold

bully
a. very good of its kind, eminently good

penitentiary
a. used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers

cravat
n. neckwear worn in a slipknot with long ends overlapping vertically in front

squirm
v. move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

sarcastic
a. expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds

drawl
v. lengthen and slow down or draw out

leastways
ad. at least

ruffle
n. disturbing the smoothness of

brisk
a. very active a. imparting vitality and energy

bristle
v. be in a state of movement or action v. react in an offended or angry manner

scoundrel
n. a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

gurgle
v. drink from a flask with a gurgling sound

own up
v. admit that one has done a usually bad thing

blubber
v. weep noisily

ostrich
n. a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth

gobble
v. eat hastily without proper chewing

saddle
v. place under a burden

scoop
v. take out or up with or as if with a scoop

snuffling
n. action of breathing noisily through nose due to cold or crying

dry up
v. stop talking

mellow
a. warmed and relaxed by or as if by liquor

gabble
n. rapid and indistinct speech

CHAPTER XXXI.

dismal
a. sad and without hope

work
v. practice trickery or cajolery on for some end

temperance
n. abstaining from excess n. the trait of avoiding excesses

prance
n. walking or moving in a spirited manner

deviltry
n. action performed with the help of the devil

fret
v. become vexed or worried

doggery
n. a cheap saloon

bullyrag
v. be bossy towards

sass
v. answer back in an impudent or insolent manner

rascality
n. mischievous or cheeky behaviour or activity

despise
v. look down on with disdain

go the whole hog
v. do something as completely as possible

shirk
v. avoid dealing with

holt
n. grip or hold

peg
v. work steadily and diligently

powder horn
n. a cow or ox horn made into a container for carrying gunpowder

blubber
v. weep noisily

whimpering
a. making low feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain, or unhappiness

bogus
a. fraudulent; having a misleading appearance

CHAPTER XXXII.

stile
n. an upright that is a member in a door or window frame

hew
v. cut a large piece out of rock, stone, or another hard material in a rough way

chink
n. a small narrow crack or opening

gourd
n. bottle made from the dried shell of a bottle gourd

wailing
a. crying with pain, grief, or anger

powwow
n. a meeting of Native Americans for making decisions or for having spiritual ceremonies

law sakes
ad. used to express surprise or protest

howdy
n. informal friendly greeting, particularly associated with western US states

aground
ad. with the bottom lodged on the ground a. stuck in a place where a ship can no longer float

amputate
v. remove by or as if by cutting, especially, to cut (a part, such as a limb) from the body

mortification
n. the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply)

resurrection
n. (New Testament) the rising of Christ on the third day after the Crucifixion

wharf
n. a structure built on the shore for loading and unloading ships

run on
v. talk or narrate at length; keep going

hustle
v. move or cause to move energetically or busily v. pressure or urge someone into an action

fix
n. a position of difficulty or embarrassment

slump
v. fall or sink suddenly

waylay
v. wait in hiding to attack

CHAPTER XXXIII.

honest Injun
ad. on my word of honor

fool
v. contend or fight without serious intent or with less than full strength

mum
a. failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to

one-horse
a. small

nuts
a. (informal) filled with or marked by enthusiasm

dainty
a. especially pleasing to the taste

scrape
n. (informal) a bad, dangerous, or unpleasant situation

puppy
n. a young dog n. an inexperienced young person

lunatic
n. a reckless impetuous irresponsible person

fumble
v. make a mess of, destroy or ruin v. handle clumsily

impudent
a. improperly forward or bold a. marked by casual disrespect

whelp
n. young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf

flabby
a. out of condition; not strong or robust; incapable of exertion or endurance

hunk
n. a large piece of something without definite shape

cannibal
n. one that eats the flesh of its own kind

astraddle
ad. with legs stretched widely on each side

straggler
n. someone who strays or falls behind

cavort
v. leap or dance about in a lively manner

poke along
v. move along very slowly

brash
a. done in haste without regard for consequences

CHAPTER XXXIV.

vittles
n. (pl) supplies of food

padlock
n. a detachable lock

britches
n. informal term for breeches

leather-headed
a. lacking intelligence or reason

hooky
n. failure to attend (especially school)

lean-to
n. a wing or extension of a building having a lean-to roof

eave
n. the overhang at the lower edge of a roof

prize
v. press, force, or move with a lever

pester
v. annoy persistently

hunch
v. push or put (someone or something) in a rough, careless, or hasty manner

daybreak
n. the first light of day

distress
n. extreme physical pain v. cause mental pain to

CHAPTER XXXV.

bedstead
n. the framework of a bed

contrive
v. put or send forth v. make or work out a plan for; devise

scoop
v. pick up quickly or surreptitiously with or as if with a sweep of the hand

gaudy
a. (used especially of clothes) marked by conspicuous display; unpleasantly bright in color or decoration

moat
n. ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water

clew
n. something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties

pewter
n. any of various alloys of tin with small amounts of other metals (especially lead)

donjon
n. the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

Confound
v. cause to be unable to think clearly v. mistake one thing for another

CHAPTER XXXVI.

blister
n. a painful swelling on the skin that contains liquid, caused usually by continuous rubbing

tallow
n. obtained from suet and used in making soap, candles and lubricants

fennel
n. aromatic bulbous stem base eaten cooked or raw in salads

tote
v. carry with difficulty

cold-chisel
n. a chisel made of tool steel of a strength, shape, and temper suitable for chipping or cutting cold metal

jackass
n. stupid person; male ass or donkey

chaw
v. crush, grind, or gnaw (something, such as food) with or as if with the teeth

mash
v. violently crush part of a body or an object

jab
v. poke or thrust abruptly

keel
v. walk as if unable to control one's movements

CHAPTER XXXVII.

shingle-nail
n. a usually galvanized nail used in applying shingles to a house

shingle
n. building material used as siding or roofing

bureau
n. a desk that often has a sloping top for writing on

sluice
n. a stream flowing through a floodgate

thimble
n. metal or plastic cap with closed end, worn to protect finger and push needle in sewing

calf
n. young of domestic cattle

remiss
a. failing in what duty requires

whack
n. the sound made by a sharp swift blow

snatch
v. grasp hastily or eagerly

sneak
v. put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner

insurrection
n. organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another

meek
a. enduring injury with patience and without resentment

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

brickbat
n. piece of brick used as missile

dexter
a. relating to or situated on the right

saltire
n. diagonal cross as heraldic ordinary

murrey
n. deep purple-red cloth

fess
n. (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield

coat of arms
n. a special group of pictures or symbols belonging to a person, family, or group and shown on a shield

pesky
a. causing irritation or annoyance

headway
n. forward movement

slouch
n. an incompetent person; usually used in negative constructions

smouch
v. get by stealing or trickery

superintend
v. watch and direct

CHAPTER XXXIX.

meddlesome
a. intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

haul
n. the quantity that was caught

hornet
n. a flying insect that has a powerful sting

garter
n. an elastic band of material that is worn around the leg to hold up a stocking or sock

scarcity
n. a small and inadequate amount

breed
n. a special variety of domesticated animals within a species

flop
v. fail completely

whoop
v. go or pass with a loud noise

blithesome
a. carefree and happy and lighthearted

fag
v. work hard

confiding
a. willing to tell someone about secret matter

slide
v. move smoothly along a surface

CHAPTER XL.

mosey
v. walk leisurely

fidgety
a. nervous and unable to relax

fumble
v. make a mess of, destroy or ruin

lick
v. find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of

rip
n. a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality

ooze
v. emit slowly

nudge
v. push into action by pestering or annoying gently v. push against gently

splinter
n. a small needlelike particle

unfurl
v. release from a furled state; cause (something that is folded or rolled up) to open

whiz
v. hum, whir, or hiss like a speeding object (such as an arrow or ball) passing through air

dodge
v. make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid

CHAPTER XLI.

gunnel
n. the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship

shucks
ad. used especially to express mild disappointment or embarrassment

licking
n. beating severely

plum
ad. completely; used as intensifiers

clack
v. speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

ransack
v. search thoroughly

fluster
n. a disposition that is confused or nervous and upset

harum-scarum
a. marked by lack of proper caution, careless of consequences

brown study
n. a state of serious absorption or abstraction

squeeze
v. force or thrust by compression

grieve
v. cause to feel sorrow v. feel grief

CHAPTER XLII.

rummage
v. make a thorough search or investigation

mutter
v. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

huffy
a. quick to take offense a. roused to anger

taper
v. diminish gradually

out of one's head
ad. in crazy

chalk
v. mark (something) with chalk

pallet
n. a small, hard, or temporary bed

prop
v. support by placing against something

flighty
a. lacking stability or steadiness

muffle
v. deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping v. conceal or hide

dratted
a. used to express anger or annoyance

moon
v. spend time in idle reverie, behave abstractedly

CHAPTER THE LAST

evasion
n. the act of avoiding something that you do not want to do or deal with

plumb
v. weight with lead

waltz
v. advance easily and successfully

fuss
n. activity or excitement that is unusual and that often is not wanted or necessary

Words of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn