Study Words from Andersen's Fairy Tales

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THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

chase
n. hunting of wild animals, used with the

accustomed
a. commonly used or practiced; usual a. in the habit of or adapted to

merrily
ad. in a joyous manner

rogue
n. a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

splendid
a. having great beauty and splendor

cause
v. compel by command, authority, or force

loom
n. a frame or machine to form a cloth

knapsack
n. a bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder

elapse
v. pass or go by

simpleton
n. a person lacking intelligence or common sense

knave
n. a tricky deceitful fellow

impostor
n. a person who makes deceitful pretenses

viz
ad. (videlicet) that is to say, namely

diligence
n. steady, earnest, and energetic effort

crafty
a. marked by skill in deception

exquisite
a. delicately beautiful a. lavishly elegant and refined

workmanship
n. skill in an occupation or trade

approbation
n. official recognition or approval

on no account
ad. under no circumstances

retinue
n. the group following and attending to some important person

strain
v. force to make a strenuous or unusually great effort

riband
n. a ribbon used especially as a decoration

grandee
n. a nobleman of highest rank in Spain or Portugal

mantle
n. a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes

cobweb
n. the network spread by a spider

courtier
n. an attendant at the court of a sovereign

canopy
n. a cover fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a sacred object

bedchamber
n. a room used primarily for sleeping

train
n. a part of a gown that trails behind the wearer

vex
v. disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress

THE SWINEHERD

nightingale
n. European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song

casket
n. small and often ornate box for holding jewels or other valuables

pussy
n. informal terms referring to a domestic cat

fie
ad. used to express disgust or outrage

ill-humored
a. bad-tempered; irritable

execution
n. the technique or style with which an artistic work is produced or carried out

daub
v. cover a surface by smearing a substance over it

swineherd
n. person who tends pigs;

pigsty
n. an enclosure for a pig or pigs

hearth
n. an area near a fireplace, usually paved and extending out into a room

impudent
a. not showing due respect for another person

rattle
n. a rapid series of short loud sounds

engross
v. consume all of one's attention or time

scold
v. speak to someone angrily because you disapprove of their behavior

alas
ad. by bad luck

despise
v. look down on with disdain

thee
pron. archaic or dialect form of you

thou
pron. archaic or dialect form of you

trumpery
n. ornamental objects of no great value

THE REAL PRINCESS

cast down
a. downcast, low in spirit

tempest
n. (literary) a violent wind n. a violent commotion or disturbance

torrent
n. a heavy rain

trickle
v. run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

pea
n. a round, green seed, several of which grow in a pod, eaten as a vegetable

bedstead
n. the framework of a bed

black and blue
a. darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

THE SHOES OF FORTUNE

magnify
v. increase in size, volume or significance

shrug
v. raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation

stereotype
n. a conventional or formulaic conception or image

preliminary
a. denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

crystallise
v. make or become definite and clear

scanty
a. lacking in amplitude or quantity

sober
a. completely lacking in playfulness

eloquence
n. powerful and effective language

antechamber
n. small room leading to main one

handmaiden
n. a personal maid or female attendant

lesser
a. of less size or importance a. smaller in size or amount or value

bonnet
n. a hat tied under the chin

galosh
n. a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow

entrust
v. to give someone a thing or duty for which they are responsible

caparison
v. be decked out in rich decorative coverings

mingle
v. to bring or combine together or with something else

votive
n. a short thick candle used especially as a prayer offering or for decoration

fife
n. a small high-pitched flute

halberdier
n. a man armed with a weapon that is combined spear and battleax

mummery
n. performance by actors in a traditional masked mime, especially of a type associated with Christmas

droll
a. comical in an odd or whimsical manner

anecdote
n. a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

nocturnal
a. belonging to or active during the night a. of or relating to or occurring in the night

to and fro
ad. back and forth

morass
n. a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot

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

desolate
a. devoid of inhabitants and visitors

hovel
n. small crude shelter used as a dwelling

fata morgana
n. mirage, an optical effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert

tipsy
a. unstable and prone to tip as if intoxicated

anew
ad. again but in a new or different way

thatched
a. covered with straw or similar material;

punch
n. a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages

chink
n. a small slit or fissure

hostelry
n. a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

resemblance
n. similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

burgher
n. a member of the middle class

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

bustling
a. full of activity

pitcher
n. a large container, typically earthenware, glass, or plastic, with a handle and a lip

reverence
n. a feeling of profound respect for someone or something

writhing
a. making twisting, squirming movements or contortions of body

vassal
n. a holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance

pestilence
n. a fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague

cholera
n. an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food

roadstead
n. a sheltered stretch of water near the shore in which ships can ride at anchor

rascal
n. one who is playfully mischievous n. a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

pluck
v. pull or pick off or out

gesticulation
n. a deliberate and vigorous gesture or motion

procure
v. arrange for sexual partners for others v. get by special effort

heathen
n. a person who does not acknowledge your god

stoop
v. debase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way

slumber
n. a dormant or quiescent state

supple
a. bending or able to be bent easily; not stiff

saunter
v. walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

infirm
a. lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

lyrical
a. suitable for or suggestive of singing a. expressing deep emotion

plume
n. material that is worn as an ornament

stagnant
a. not growing or changing; without force or vitality

poignantly
ad. in way that evokes keen sense of sadness or regret

privation
n. a state of extreme poverty

pilgrimage
n. a journey to a sacred place

metamorphosis
n. a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft

firmament
n. the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

sloth
n. a mammal that moves slowly and lives in trees

circumjacent
a. surrounding

caldron
n. a very large pot that is used for boiling

fiery
a. characterized by intense emotion a. like or suggestive of fire

arabesque
n. position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose

germinate
v. cause to grow or sprout

enchantment
n. a very attractive and pleasing quality

every inch a
ad. fully and completely something; something in every detail

bestir
v. make physical or mental effort

bout
n. an occasion for excessive eating or drinking

oblige
v. provide a service or favor for someone v. cause to be indebted

stout
a. fat and solid-looking, especially around the waist

avail
v. take or use v. be of use to, be useful to

irrevocable
a. incapable of being retracted or revoked

booth
n. a small shop at a fair; for selling goods or entertainment

pillory
n. a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck

paroxysm
n. a sudden uncontrollable attack

suffocation
n. the condition of being deprived of oxygen n. killing by depriving of oxygen

peep
n. a quick look

exhortation
n. a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients to take some action

unerringly
ad. without making errors

motley
a. consisting of many different types that do not appear to go together

phantasmagoria
n. a constantly changing medley of real or imagined images, as in a dream

oracular
a. of or relating to an oracle

lurid
a. horrible in fierceness or savagery a. ghastly pale

revelation
n. act of making something known that was secret, or a fact that is made known

yonder
ad. at or in an indicated, usually distant, place

milliner
n. someone who makes and sells hats

spruce
a. tidy and clean in appearance

amiss
a. not functioning properly ad. in an improper or mistaken or unfortunate manner

cue
n. a signal for someone to do something

fane
n. temple or shrine

peal
n. a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells) v. ring recurrently

sanctuary
n. a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept n. a shelter from danger or hardship

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

pious
a. strongly believing in religion, and living in a way that shows this belief

nought
n. the number 0 or zero

dilapidated
a. in deplorable condition

moulder
v. break down

boudoir
n. a lady's bedroom or private sitting room

scalding
a. very hot;

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

beast of burden
n. an animal, such as a mule or donkey, that is used for carrying loads

gnaw
v. become ground down or deteriorate v. bite or chew on with the teeth

excursion
n. wandering from the main path of a journey n. a journey taken for pleasure

sedentary
a. requiring sitting or little activity

soliloquize
v. speak one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers

methinks
v. it seems to me;

buoyant
a. tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas

insipid
a. lacking taste or flavor or tang a. lacking interest or significance or impact

boast
v. wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner

breakneck
a. dangerously or extremely fast

endow
v. give qualities or abilities to

twig
n. a small branch or division of a branch

shoot
n. a young branch or sucker springing from the main stock of a tree or other plant

vista
n. a pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening

hurrah
n. a victory cheer

asunder
a. widely separated especially in space ad. into parts or pieces

torrent
n. an overwhelming number or amount

stem
v. stop or restrict

consoling
a. serving to comfort someone

vaudeville
n. a variety show with songs and comic acts etc.

slyly
ad. in cunning manner;

epistle
n. a specially long, formal letter

botanist
n. a biologist specializing in the study of plants

incense
n. perfume or a similar fragrance

manifold
n. a collection of points forming a certain kind of set

emulation
n. effort or ambition to match or surpass person or achievement;

ephemera
n. something transitory; lasting a day

dispel
v. force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

subterranean
a. being or operating under the surface of the earth

withered
a. lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

innate
a. being talented through inherited qualities

freak
n. a very unusual and unexpected event or situation

pliant
a. able to adjust readily to different conditions

chastisement
n. verbal punishment

accursed
a. under a curse

proprietor
n. (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

dame
n. informal terms for a (young) woman n. a woman of refinement

benignant
a. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence

condescension
n. a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient

embroider
v. decorate with needlework v. add details to

bawl
v. shout loudly and without restraint

paroquet
n. any of numerous small slender long-tailed parrots

uncouth
a. lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

discretion
n. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

bower
n. a pleasant shady place under trees

pendent
n. branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling

bough
n. any of the larger branches of a tree

elegiac
a. expressing sorrow often for something past

infallible
a. incapable of failure or error

witticism
n. a remark that is both clever and humorous

ajar
a. slightly open

creak
v. make a high noise, usually caused by a stiff material such as wood or metal that is made to move slightly

tomcat
n. male domestic cat

powder-magazine
n. a compartment for the storage of ammunition and explosives

pinch
v. grip something tightly and sharply between finger and thumb

imbibe
v. receive into the mind and retain

crag
n. a steep rugged rock or cliff

tuft
n. a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass

heather
n. a low, spreading bush, usually with small pink, purple, or white flowers

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

gnat
n. mosquito

audacious
a. disposed to venture or take risks

sore
a. painful or aching

ravenous
a. extremely hungry

pervade
v. spread or diffuse through

horrid
a. grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror a. exceedingly bad

profuse
a. produced or growing in extreme abundance

resemble
v. appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

filthy
a. disgustingly dirty; filled or smeared with offensive matter

sallow
a. unhealthy looking

whine
n. a long, high-pitched complaining cry

laudatory
a. expressing praise and commendation

repast
n. the food served and eaten at one time

rickety
a. lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

sentry
n. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

whither
ad. to what place or state;

insatiable
a. impossible to satisfy

apothegm
n. a short pithy instructive saying

emissary
n. someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else

slumber
n. a dormant or quiescent state

ordain
v. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on

imperishable
a. enduring forever

THE FIR TREE

prattle
v. speak about unimportant matters rapidly n. idle or foolish and irrelevant talk

pitcher
n. a large container, typically earthenware, glass, or plastic, with a handle and a lip

shoot
n. a young branch or sucker springing from the main stock of a tree or other plant

glitter
v. be shiny, as if wet n. the occurrence of a small flash or spark

comely
a. very pleasing to the eye

tremble
v. shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety or excitement

lop
v. cut off from a whole

swallow
n. a migratory swift-flying songbird

stork
n. a tall long-legged wading bird with a long heavy bill and typically with white and black plumage

musing
n. period of reflection or thought; a. characterized by reflection or deep thought;

hither
ad. to this place, especially toward the speaker

gild
v. decorate with, or as if with, gold leaf or liquid gold

fain
ad. with pleasure; gladly

pith
n. the most essential or most vital part of some idea or something

pang
n. mental pain or distress

swoon
n. a partial or total loss of consciousness

livery
n. the special uniform worn by a servant or official

porcelain
n. a white vitrified translucent ceramic

crown
n. a British coin with a face value of five shillings or 25 pence

cask
n. a cylindrical container that holds liquids

taper
n. a gradual narrowing n. a convex shape that narrows toward a point

foliage
n. leaf-like architectural ornament

tinsel
n. a form of decoration consisting of thin strips of shiny metal foil

sheer
a. nothing other than; unmitigated, used for emphasis

plunder
v. destroy and strip of its possession

tumble
v. suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat v. fall suddenly and sharply

bawl
v. shout loudly and without restraint

morrow
n. the next day

loft
n. a room or space directly under the roof of a house or other building

reverie
n. a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream

shelter
n. temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons

snuff
v. sniff or smell inquiringly

rustle
v. make a soft and crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper

larder
n. a small storeroom for storing foods or wines

tallow
n. a hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, used in making candles and soap

lean
a. thin, especially healthily so; having no superfluous fat

portly
a. euphemisms for fat

sleek
a. having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light

balustrade
n. a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

exulting
a. being extremely joyful

nettle
n. any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact

behold
v. see with attention

THE SNOW QUEEN

mischievous
a. deliberately causing harm or damage

fright
n. an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger

mole
n. a small usually brown spot on the skin

grin
n. a facial expression produced by grinning especially in pleasure or amusement

pervert
v. change the inherent purpose or function of something

splinter
n. a group or faction broken away from a parent body

shudder
n. an almost pleasurable sensation of fright v. tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement

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

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

tendril
n. slender stem-like structure by which some twining plants attach themselves to an object for support

foliage
n. leaf-like architectural ornament n. plant leaves collectively

farthing
n. a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny

wondrous
ad. extremely well a. extraordinarily good or great

gauze
n. a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave

repose
n. freedom from activity n. the absence of mental stress or anxiety

beckon
v. signal with the hands or nod v. summon with a wave, nod, or some other gesture

unwonted
a. out of the ordinary

cankered
a. affected by a malign or corrupting influence

crooked
a. irregular in shape or outline

hasten
v. act or move at high speed

bawl
v. shout loudly and without restraint

mantle
n. a loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women

congenial
a. pleasant or agreeable because suited to one's taste or inclination

countenance
n. the appearance conveyed by a person's face

clamber
v. climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

thatch
v. cover (a roof or a building) with straw or a similar material

sentry
n. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

foster-brother
n. a male who is not a son of your parents but who is raised by your parents

melancholy
a. sad and pensive

toll
v. sound or cause to sound with a slow, uniform of strokes, as a signal or announcement

tuck
v. push, fold or turn something so as to hide them or hold them in place

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

thrice
ad. three times

drip
v. fall in drops

gibberish
n. unintelligible or meaningless speech or writing

forthwith
ad. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

lackey
n. a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage n. a male servant, especially a footman

trance
n. a state of mind in which consciousness is fragile and voluntary action is poor or missing, like in deep sleep

equipage
n. equipment for particular purpose; carriage and horses with attendants;

shabby
a. showing signs of wear and tear a. mean and unworthy and despicable

privy
a, sharing in the knowledge of something secret or private

cavalier
n. aa dashing and attentive man, especially one acting as a lady's escort

compliment
n. a remark or act expressing praise and admiration

satin
n. a smooth fabric of silk or rayon

muff
n. a warm tubular covering for the hands

bade
v. (past tense of bid) utter a greeting or farewell to

postilion
n. person who rides leading nearside left-hand side horse of team or pair drawing coach

plump
a. having a full rounded shape

magpie
n. long-tailed black-and-white crow

egress
n. the action of going out of or leaving a place

caldron
n. a very large pot that is used for boiling

spit
n. a skewer for holding meat over a fire

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

rabble
n. a disorderly crowd n. a disorganized or confused collection of things

tether
v. tie with a rope (or light chain)

coo
v. cry softly, as of pigeons

abode
n. housing that someone is living in

draught
n. a serving of drink (usually alcoholic)

flask
n. bottle that has a narrow neck

sup
n. a small amount of liquid food

legging
n. a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)

fret
v. worry unnecessarily or excessively

wad
v. compress (a soft material) into a lump or bundle

bramble
n. any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines

heath
n. a tract of level wasteland; uncultivated land with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation

haberdine
n a cod salted and dried

diminutive
a. very small

stiff
a. having a strong physiological or chemical effect

vanquish
v. come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

endue
v. give qualities or abilities to

thither
ad. to or toward that place; away from the speaker

outpost
n. an outlying branch or position of a main organization or group

porcupine
n. relatively large rodents

resplendent
a. having great beauty and splendor

benumb
v. make numb or insensitive

thaw
v. go from a frozen to a liquid state

Hereupon
ad. after or as result of this

hind
n. a female deer, especially an adult female red deer

damsel
n. a young unmarried woman

tramp
v. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

lament
v. express sorrow, mourning, or regret

verdure
n. the lush appearance of flourishing vegetation n. green foliage

THE LEAP-FROG

exquisite
a. delicately beautiful a. lavishly elegant and refined

pasteboard
n. a type of thin board made by pasting together sheets of paper

chirp
v. utter a short, sharp, high-pitched sound

sheer
a. nothing other than

vexation
n. anger produced by some annoying irritation

snuff
v. sniff or smell inquiringly

prophet
n. someone who speaks by divine inspiration

almanac
n. an annual publication including weather forecasts

bound
v. walk or run with leaping strides

peculiar
a. unique or specific to a person or thing or category

melancholy
a. sad and pensive

THE ELDERBUSH

elderflower
n. flower of elder, used to make drinks

accord
n. voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act

haughty
a. arrogantly superior and disdainful

spout
n. an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain

waterpail
n. a water bucket

barge
n. a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads

sake
n. the purpose of achieving or obtaining

scavenger
n. an animal that feeds on carrion, dead plant material, or refuse

tingle
v. cause a stinging or tingling sensation

methinks
v. it seems to me

hurrah
n. a victory cheer

waving
n. (physics) a movement up and down or back and forth

bower
n. a framework that supports climbing plants

endow
v. give qualities or abilities to

astride
prep. with the legs stretched far apart; with a leg on each side of

neigh
v. make a characteristic sound, of a horse

yonder
a. distant but within sight

scrape
v. scratch repeatedly v. bend the knees and bow in a servile manner

strut
v. walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others

smithy
n. a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering

bang
v. strike violently

damsel
n. a young unmarried woman

verdure
n. the lush appearance of flourishing vegetation n. green foliage

chivalry
n. the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct

embattle
v. prepare for battle or conflict v. fortify by furnishing with battlements for defense

gable
n. the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof

cairn
n. a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path

barn
n. an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals

soothsayer
n. person supposed to be able to foresee future

hoar
a. greyish white

keepsake
n. something of sentimental value

THE BELL

multitude
n. the common people generally n. a large gathering of people

thitherward
ad. toward that place

attune
v. adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with

stroll
v. walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

clump
n. a compacted mass or lump of something

confectioner
n. someone who makes candies and other sweets

clapper
n. metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound by hitting the side

whence
ad. from what place, source, or cause

treatise
n. a formal exposition

hitherto
ad. until now or until the point in time under discussion

garland
n. a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration

gurgle
v. make a hollow bubbling sound like that made by water running out of a bottle

gable
n. the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof

unanimous
a. in complete agreement

solitude
n. a state of social isolation n. a solitary place

thrash
v. beat (a person or animal) repeatedly and violently with a stick or whip

mead
n. made of fermented honey and water

crevice
n. a long narrow depression in a surface n. a long narrow opening

writhe
v. move in a twisting or contorted motion

croak
v. utter a hoarse sound, like a raven

cupola
n. a roof in the form of a dome

hallelujah
n. a shout or song of praise to God

THE OLD HOUSE

hop-bind
n. the stalk or vine on which hops grow

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

spout
n. an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain

mortar
n. a mixture of lime with cement, sand, and water, used in building to bond bricks or stones

halberd
n. a pike fitted with an ax head

plush
n. a fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet

breeches
n. trousers ending above the knee

errand
n. a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

well off
a. rich enough to be able to do and buy most of the things that they want

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

dilapidated
a. in deplorable condition

crevice
n. a long narrow depression in a surface n. a long narrow opening

hog
n. a domesticated pig

gilding
n. a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold

gout
n. a disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis, especially in the smaller bones of the feet

clothespress
n. a closet, wardrobe, or chest in which to keep clothes

by-gone
a. belonging to an earlier time

glazed
a. fitted or covered with glass

bouquet
n. an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present

procession
n. a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony or festival

pageant
n. a rich and spectacular ceremony

knave
n. one of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a young prince

preserve
n. food made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade

melancholy
n. a feeling of thoughtful sadness

rheumatism
n. any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues

devout
a. deeply religious

pious
a. having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity

bump
n. a round, raised area on a surface or on the body

balsam
n. sweet-smelling oil that is obtained from certain trees or bushes and used to make medicines and perfumes

hearse
n. a vehicle for conveying the coffin at a funeral

score
n. a group or set of twenty or about twenty

tumble
v. suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat v. fall suddenly and sharply

trance
n. a state of mind in which someone seems to be asleep and to have no conscious control over their thoughts

hanging
n. decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

THE HAPPY FAMILY

burdock
n. large herbaceous plant of daisy family

fricassee
n. a dish of stewed or fried pieces of meat served in a thick white sauce

manor
n. the landed estate of a lord, including the house on it

venerable
a. profoundly honored a. impressive by reason of age

genteel
a. marked by refinement in taste and manners

chafer
n. large flying beetle

conceited
a. characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

gnat
n. mosquito

merriment
n. activities that are enjoyable or amusing

dowry
n. money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

progeny
n. the immediate descendants of a person

contradict
v. deny the truth of (a statement) by asserting the opposite

THE STORY OF A MOTHER

downcast
a. low in spirit; directed downward

ale
n. a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast

cradle
n. a baby bed with sides and rockers

burr
v. make a whirring sound

wrung
v. (past tense) twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape

thorn
n. a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf

afflict
v. cause pain or suffering, affect or trouble

cavern
n. a cave, or a chamber in a cave, typically a large one n. any large dark enclosed space

wither
v. lose freshness, vigor, or vitality

pulsation
n. a periodically vibrating

pinch
v. grip tightly and sharply between finger and thumb

stunted
a. prevented from growing or developing properly;

mould
n. soft loose earth

crocus
n. a small, spring-flowering plant that bears bright yellow, purple, or white flowers

pluck
v. quickly remove it from its place

bidding
n. a request to be present

THE FALSE COLLAR

garter
n. a band that is worn around the leg to hold up a stocking

girdle
n. a belt or cord worn around the waist n. an encircling or ringlike structure

occasion
n. reason or cause

boast
v. talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction

prude
n. a person excessively concerned, like a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty

rag
n. a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece

jagged
a. having a sharply uneven surface or outline

imitate
v. appear like, as in behavior or appearance

baroness
n. a noblewoman who holds the rank of baron or who is the wife or widow of a baron

ado
n. a rapid active commotion

condemned
a. officially declared unfit for use

betroth
v. give to in marriage

despise
v. look down on with disdain

ferocious
a. marked by extreme and violent energy

THE SHADOW

mahogany
n. any of various tropical timber trees, valued for their hard yellowish to reddish-brown wood

meagre
a. lacking in quantity or quality

hoot
v. utter a loud clamorous shout

detonate
v. cause to burst with a violent release of energy

psalm
n. any sacred song used to praise the deity

hymn
n. a religious song or poem of praise to God or a god

din
n. a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise

splinter
n. a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar material broken off from a larger piece

lustre
n. the visual property of something that shines with reflected light n. a quality that outshines the usual

ajar
a. slightly open

enchantment
n. a feeling of great pleasure; delight n. a magical spell

imitate
v. appear like, as in behavior or appearance v. make a reproduction or copy of

entice
v. attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage

vexatious
a. causing irritation or annoyance

lapse
n. an interval or passage of time

lean
a. (of a person or animal) thin

well off
a. in a favorable situation or circumstances a. wealthy

betroth
v. give to in marriage

patent
a. easily recognizable; obvious

poodle
n. an intelligent dog with a heavy curly solid-colored coat that is usually clipped

arrogance
n. overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors

recluse
a. withdrawn from society; seeking solitude n. one who lives in solitude

antechamber
n. small room leading to main one

circumspect
a. wary and unwilling to take risks

starlit
a. lighted only by stars

firmament
n. the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

varnish
n. a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface

perceptible
a. capable of being perceived by the mind or senses

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

matchless
a. eminent beyond or above comparison

consternation
n. fear resulting from the awareness of danger

Alas
ad. by bad luck

enviable
a. causing envy

torment
n. extreme mental distress

inquisitive
a. showing curiosity a. inquiring or appearing to inquire

promenade
n. a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year

complaint
n. an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

insinuation
n. an unpleasant hint or suggestion of something bad

discreet
a.careful in one's speech or actions

prudence
n. knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress n. discretion in practical affairs

consort
n. a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch

nuptials
n. the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

sentinel
n. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

tremble
n. a reflex motion caused by cold or fear or excitement

deprive
v. take away possessions from someone

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

hitherto
ad. until now or until the point in time under discussion

scuffle
v. walk by dragging one's feet

dreadful
a. very unpleasant a. causing fear or dread or terror

urchin
n. poor and often mischievous city child

cradle
n. a baby bed with sides and rockers

apron
n. a protective or decorative garment worn over the front of one's clothes and tied at the back

farthing
n. a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny

livelong
a. (of a period of time) entire

cower
v. show submission or fear v. crouch or curl up

whistle
v. emit a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing breath through a small hole

numb
v. deprive of feeling or responsiveness

veil
n. a piece of fine material worn by women to protect or conceal the face

porcelain
n. ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic

famously
ad. extremely well

behold
v. see with attention

reel
v. lose one's balance and stagger violently

lustre
n. a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface

stark
a. devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

THE DREAM OF LITTLE TUK

pail
n. a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

bedstead
n. the framework of a bed

sin
n. an offense against religious or moral law

popinjay
n. an archaic term for a parrot n. a vain and talkative person (chatters like a parrot)

plump
ad. straight down especially heavily or abruptly v. drop sharply

sojourn
n. a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest) v. spend a certain length of time; reside temporarily

plume
n. a feather of a bird

morn
n. the time period between dawn and noon

crumble
v. fall apart v. fall into decay or ruin

midshipman
n. a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training

croak
v. pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

moor
n. an open area of hills covered with rough grass

exalt
v. raise in rank, character, or status v. praise, glorify, or honor

THE NAUGHTY BOY

naught
n. complete failure

hiss
v. make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s

perish
v. pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes

tempest
n. a violent commotion or disturbance

tint
n. shade or variety of a color

hearth
n. an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)

fie
ad. used to express disgust or outrage

heed
n. paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)

thrust
v. push (something or someone) suddenly or violently in the specified direction

chandelier
n. branched lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling

bosom
n. the front of a person's chest, especially when thought of as the center of human feelings

rove
v. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

rampart
n. an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

THE RED SHOES

delicate
a. very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality

instep
n. the arch of the foot

clumsy
a. awkward in movement or in handling things

morocco
n. soft pebble-grained leather made from goatskin, used for shoes and book bindings

count
n. a European nobleman whose rank corresponds to that of an English earl

chancel
n. area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir

preacher
n. a person, usually a priest or minister, who gives a religious speech

ruff
n. an external body part consisting of feathers or hair about the neck of a bird or other animal

covenant
n. a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action

peal
v. sound loudly

sacrament
n. religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace

crutch
n. a wooden or metal staff that fits under the arm and reaches to the ground, used by disabled person's walking

alms
n. money or goods contributed to the poor

trod
v. (past tense of tread) put the foot on something or to press something down with the foot

at length
ad. after a long time

stocking
n. a women's garment, that fits closely over the foot and upper thigh

meadow
n. a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

tansy
n. plant of daisy family with yellow flat-topped flower heads and aromatic leaves

heath
n. a low evergreen shrub, which has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers

repent
v. feel or express sincere regret

struck off
v. (past tense of strike off) remove something from a list or record

wield
v. handle effectively

parsonage
n. an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

pious
a. having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity

stead
n. the place or role that someone or something should have or fill (used in referring to a substitute)

spray
n. a stem or small branch of a tree or plant, bearing flowers and foliage

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

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

Words of Andersen's Fairy Tales