Study Words from The Hound of the Baskervilles

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Chapter 1. Mr. Sherlock Holmes

bulbous
a. curving outward a. shaped like a bulb

ferrule
n. a metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to prevent splitting

pique
v. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride

indifference
n. the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally

convex
a. curving or bulging outward

erroneous
a. containing or characterized by error

fallacy
n. a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning

pledge
n. a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something

mastiff
n. an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog

incredulous
a. not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving

spaniel
n. any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears

jut
v. extend out or project in space

sloven
a. habitually untidy or careless;

dingy
a. thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

fray
v. cause friction v. wear away by rubbing

benevolence
n. disposition to do good

dabbler
n. an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

dolichocephalic
a. having a relatively long skull

supra-orbital
a. situated above the orbit of the eye

parietal
a. of, relating to, attached to, or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure

fissure
n. a long narrow depression in a surface

fulsome
a. unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech

covet
v. wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)

dexterity
n. skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands

agile
a. mentally quick a. moving quickly and lightly

antenna
n. either of a pair of long, thin sensory appendages on the heads of insects

asperity
n. harshness of manner

inadvertently
ad. without knowledge or intention

ado
n. trouble or difficulty

Chapter 2. The Curse of the Baskervilles

resignation
n. acceptance of despair

repentance
n. the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse

circumspect
a. heedful of potential consequences

manor
n. a large country house with lands; the principal house of a landed estate

gainsay
v. deny or contradict (a fact or statement)

profane
a. not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent

wanton
a. (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked

by-word
n. a person or thing cited as a notorious and outstanding example or embodiment of something

yeoman
n. in former times was free and cultivated his own land

Michaelmas
n. honoring the archangel Michael; the feast of St. Michael, September 29 in England, Wales, and Ireland

carouse
n. a merry drinking party

lass
n. a girl or young woman who is unmarried

daunt
v. cause to lose courage

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

betwixt
ad. in the interval

league
n. a former measure of distance by land, usually about three miles

flagon
n. a large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout; used to hold alcoholic beverages (usually wine)

trencher
n. a wooden platter for serving food

wench
n. informal terms for a (young) woman

reveller
n. a person who is enjoying themselves in a lively and noisy way

Whereat
ad. at which;

mare
n. the female of a horse or other equine animal

unkennel
v. drive (an animal, such as a fox) from a hiding place or den

agape
n. a religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship

anon
ad. soon;

bemuse
v. cause to be confused emotionally

uproar
n. loud confused noise from many sources

flask
n. bottle that has a narrow neck

at length
ad. at last

abreast
ad. alongside each other, facing in the same direction

moorland
n. open land usually with peaty soil covered with heather and bracken and moss

gallop
v. run fast, ride at a galloping pace

dabble
v. immerse (one's hands or feet) partially in water and move them around gently

froth
n. a mass of small bubbles in liquid caused by agitation, fermentation, etc.; foam

trail
v. hang down so as to drag along the ground v. move, proceed, or walk draggingly or slowly

bridle
n. the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached

valour
n. the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)

whimper
v. cry weakly or softly

dip
v. a sharp downward course

slink
v. walk stealthily

goyal
n, a deep valley or gorge that is typically narrow with steep sides

pluck
v. pick, pull, or grasp at

drip
v. fall in drops

twain
n. two items of the same kind

sorely
ad. in or as if in pain ad. to a great degree

Providence
n. a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures

Holy Writ
n. the Bible

forbear
v. politely or patiently restrain an impulse to do something; refrain

thereof
ad. of or concerning this or that ad. from that circumstance or source

elicit
v. deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning)

nouveaux riches
n. a person newly rich

scion
n. a descendent or heir

grandeur
n. the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of

bewail
v. regret strongly

corroborate
v. support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm

nocturnal
a. belonging to or active during the night

thence
ad. from that place or from there

dyspnoea
n. difficult or labored respiration

post mortem
a. done, occurring, or collected after death

prosaic
a. not challenging; dull and lacking excitement

cameo
n. engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)

anatomy
n. alternative names for the body of a human being

gig
n. a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage

Chapter 3. The Problem

shudder
n. an almost pleasurable sensation of fright

glitter
n. the occurrence of a small flash or spark

wicket
n. a small arch used as croquet equipment n. small gate or door (especially one that is part of a larger door)

discern
v. detect with the senses

ere
prep. before;

smudge
v. cause (something) to become messily smeared by rubbing it

deface
v. mar or spoil the appearance of

clog
n. any object that acts as a hindrance or obstruction

spectral
a. resembling or characteristic of a phantom

farrier
n. a person who shoes horses

apparition
n. something existing in perception only

reign
n. the period during which a sovereign rules

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

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

kinsman
n. a male relative

bleak
a. offering little or no hope

abode
n. housing that someone is living in

vestry
n. a room or building attached to a church, used as an office

flippant
a. not showing a serious or respectful attitude

spaniel
n. a dog of a breed with a long silky coat and drooping ears

congenial
a. pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or interests that are similar to one's own

shag
n. a thick, tangled hairstyle or mass of hair

acrid
a. strong and sharp

fume
n. gas, smoke, or vapor that smells strongly or is dangerous to inhale

showery
a. characterized by frequent showers of rain;

miry
a. very muddy or boggy;

immaculate
a. free from stain or blemish a. without fault or error

gloss
n. bright often superficial attractiveness

fixture
n. the act or process of fixing : the state of being fixed

convict
n. a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison

desolate
a. deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness

outset
n. the time at which something is supposed to begin

infirm
a. lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

inclement
a. (of weather or climate) severe

Chapter 4. Sir Henry Baskerville

baronet
n. a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight

sturdily
ad. in a vigorous and forceful manner

pugnacious
a. tough and callous by virtue of experience

expedient
n. a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral

confine
v. keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of

cajole
v. influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

sentiment
n. a feeling or emotion

whence
ad. from what place, source, or cause

maxillary
a. of jaw;

slovenly
a. negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt

splutter
v. spit up in an explosive manner

mutilate
v. destroy or injure severely

chap
n. a boy or man

vengeance
n. the act of taking revenge, especially in the next life

indebt
v. cause to owe money;

flurry
v. move in small swirling masses;

bushy
a. used of hair; thick and poorly groomed

vexation
n. anger produced by some annoying irritation

benevolent
a. showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

malevolent
a. wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred

wily
a. skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully

clumsy
a. difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape

saunter
v. walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

exaggerate
v. enlarge beyond bounds or the truth v. do something to an excessive degree

Chapter 5. Three Broken Threads

articulate
v. speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way

sucker
n. a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

patent leather
n. leather with a glossy varnished surface, used chiefly for shoes, belts, and purses

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

profess
v. state freely v. practice as a profession, teach, or claim to be knowledgeable about

entail
v. have as a logical consequence

revered
v. regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

besmirch
v. smear so as to make dirty or stained v. charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

disastrous
a. (of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin

proposition
n. an offer for a private bargain

fascination
n. a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual

fare
n. a paying passenger on a public conveyance

imprudent
a. lacking wise self-restraint

foil
n. defeat, frustrate

toff
n. informal term for an upper-class or wealthy person

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

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

audacious
a. disposed to venture or take risks

foeman
n. one who opposes on principle

Chapter 6. Baskerville Hall

injunction
n. an authoritative warning or order

bias
v. cause to feel or show inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something

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

granite
n. a very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock, often used as a building stone

Celt
n. a member of a European people who once occupied Britain and Spain and Gaul prior to Roman times

thence
ad. from that place or from there

melancholy
n. a feeling of thoughtful sadness

prosaic
a. not challenging; dull and lacking excitement

fiery
a. characterized by intense emotion

valour
n. the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)

hazel
a. of a light brown or yellowish brown color

wagonette
n. four-wheeled horse-drawn pleasure vehicle with facing side seats;

cob
n. a powerfully built, short-legged horse

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

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

foliage
n. (architecture) leaf-like architectural ornament

bramble
n. any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines

scrub
a. (of domestic animals) not selectively bred

wane
v. have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface

tinge
n. a pale or subdued color

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

vegetation
n. all the plant life in a particular region or period

heath-clad
covered with an area of open uncultivated land

equestrian
n. a man skilled in horseback riding

pedestal
n. a support or foundation

warder
n. a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

ferocity
n. the property of being wild or turbulent

wanton
n. a sexually immodest or promiscuous woman

commutation
n. (law) the reduction in severity of a punishment imposed by law

sanity
n. normal or sound powers of mind

atrocious
a. shockingly brutal or cruel a. exceptionally bad or displeasing

expanse
n. a wide scope

craggy
a. having hills and crags

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

tor
n. a high rocky hill

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

burrow
n. a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

slant
v. slope or lean in a particular direction; diverge or cause to diverge from the vertical or horizontal

bleak
a. offering little or no hope a. unpleasantly cold and damp

russet
n. a reddish brown homespun fabric

sprinkle
v. distribute loosely

stunted
a. prevented from growing or developing properly;

fury
n. wild or violent anger

tracery
n. decoration consisting of an open pattern of interlacing ribs

wrought
a. shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

surmount
v. be on top of v. get on top of; deal with successfully

boar
n. domestic male pig

rafter
n. one of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof

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

turret
n. a small tower extending above a building

mullion
n. a nonstructural vertical strip between the casements or panes of a window (or the panels of a screen)

dog
v. fasten with a simple mechanical device consisting of a spike, bar, or hook

numb
a. so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified

canopy
n. an ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over something, especially a throne or bed

subdued
a. quieted and brought under control

discern
v. detect with the senses

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

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

minstrel
n. a singer of folk songs

hilarity
n. extreme amusement, especially when expressed by laughter

hush
v. become quiet or still; fall silent

tone down
v. make (something) less bright or colorful

copse
n. a dense growth of bushes

resonant
a. serving to bring to mind

muffled
a. not loud because of being obstructed in some way;

strangle
v. struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake

Chapter 7. The Stapletons of Merripit House

efface
v. remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing v. remove completely from recognition or memory

pallid
a. lacking in vitality or interest or effectiveness

telltale
a. disclosing unintentionally

propitious
a. giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable

testily
ad. in impatience or ill humor

ruse
n. an action intended to deceive someone; a trick

persecute
v. cause to suffer

botanical
n. a drug made from part of a plant (as the bark or root or leaves)

credulous
a. showing a lack of judgment or experience

placid
a. not easily irritated

wary
a. openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

discreet
a. careful not to attract attention or let out private information

bygone
a. well in the past; former

quarry
n. a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted

fern
n. any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward

bramble
n. any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines

niche
n. (ecology) the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species)

plume
n. a long, soft feather

undulate
v. stir up (water) so as to form ripples

jagged
a. having a sharply uneven surface or outline

gallop
n. the fastest pace of a horse, with all the feet off the ground together in each stride

bog-hole
n. a hole or depression in a land surface having a miry or spongy bottom

sedge
n. grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet places having solid stems, narrow grasslike leaves and spikelets of inconspicuous flowers

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

melancholy
n. a feeling of thoughtful sadness

throb
v. beat or sound with a strong, regular rhythm; pulsate steadily

ravens
v. a large heavily built crow with mainly black plumage

tor
n. a prominent rock or pile of rocks on a hill

croak
v. utter a hoarse sound, like a raven

bittern
n. large marshbird of heron family;

boom
v. make a deep hollow sound

uncanny
a. surpassing the ordinary or normal

pen
v. a small enclosure for animals

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

supersede
v. take the place or move into the position of

treacherous
a. dangerously unstable and unpredictable

tint
v. color lightly

brunette
n. a person with dark (brown) hair

impassive
a. having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

apparition
n. a ghostly appearing figure n. something existing in perception only

orchid
n. any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors

mare
n. female equine animal

bleak
a. offering little or no hope a. unpleasantly cold and damp

stunted
a. prevented from growing or developing properly;

nip
v. give a small sharp bite to

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

interminable
a. tiresomely long; seemingly without end

fleck
v. mark or dot with small patches of color or particles of something

marvel
v. be amazed at v. express astonishment or surprise about something

temperament
n. a person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior

uninteresting
a. not arousing curiosity or interest;

irretrievably
ad. in way that cannot be retrieved or put right;

botany
n. the branch of biology that studies plants

irresolution
n. hesitancy;

Chapter 8. First Report of Dr. Watson

forsake
v. leave someone who needs or counts on you

monolith
n. a single great stone (often in the form of a column or obelisk)

flint
n. a hard gray rock consisting of nearly pure chert, occurring chiefly as nodules in chalk

antiquarian
n. an expert or collector of antiquities

able-bodied
a. fit, strong, and healthy; not physically disabled

approbation
n. official recognition or approval n. official approval

fleck
v. mark or dot with small patches of color or particles of something

corrode
v. become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid

disapprobation
n. an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable

tete-a-tete
v. talk face to face

onerous
a. not easily borne; wearing

excavate
v. form by hollowing v. find by digging in the ground

barrow
n. a large mound of earth or stones over the remains of the dead

tumble-down
a. (of a building or structure) falling or fallen into ruin; dilapidated

spectral
a. resembling or characteristic of a phantom

choleric
a. quickly aroused to anger

defy
v. challenge

immemorial
a. long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history

manorial
a. of or relating to or based on a large country house with lands

communal
a. for or by a group rather than individuals

effigy
n. a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)

downright
ad. thoroughgoing

puritanical
a. exaggeratedly proper a. morally rigorous and strict

gnaw
v. bite or chew on with the teeth

tyrant
n. any person who exercises power in a cruel way

slumber
n. a dormant or quiescent state

circumspect
a. unwilling to take risks

furtive
a. marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

Chapter 9. The Light upon the Moor [Second Report of Dr. ...

intrigue
n. a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

clandestine
a. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

infatuate
v. arouse unreasoning love or passion in and cause to behave in an irrational way

spoil-sport
n. a person who behaves in a way that spoils others' pleasure, especially by not joining in an activity

pretext
n. something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

wisp
n. small thin or twisted bunch;

gesticulate
v. show, express or direct through movement

haughty
a. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

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

peremptory
a. not allowing contradiction or refusal

irresolute
a. uncertain how to act or proceed

dejection
n. a state of melancholy depression

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

prairie
n. a treeless grassy plain

woo
v. seek someone's favor

straitjacket
n. a garment similar to a jacket that is used to bind the arms tightly against the body

brusque
a. marked by rude or peremptory shortness

conjecture
n. reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence

upshot
n. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

flounder
v. walk with great difficulty

extricate
v. release from entanglement of difficulty

skein
n. coils of worsted yarn

lattice
n. framework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal

vigil
n. a period of sleeplessness

game
n. wild mammals or birds hunted for sport or food

shuffle
v. move about, move back and forth

extremity
n. the greatest or utmost degree

defiant
a. boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

shawl
n. cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

stolid
a. having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

hue and cry
n. a loud clamor or public outcry

exalt
v. raise in rank, character, or status

mutter
n. a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

strident
a. conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

fiend
n. a cruel wicked and inhuman person

craggy
a. abrupt, cliffy, steep

speck
n. a slight but appreciable amount

gutter
v. burn unsteadily, feebly, or low; flicker

crevice
n. a long narrow opening

flank
v. be located at the sides of something or somebody

vile
a. morally reprehensible, extremely unpleasant

mire
n. deep soft mud in water or slush

burrow
n. a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

crafty
a. marked by skill in deception

splinter
v. break or cause to break into small sharp fragments

squat
n.strengthens the leg muscles

pinnacle
n. (architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower

ebony
a. of a very dark black

brood
v. hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing v. think moodily or anxiously about something

peat
n. partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried

warder
n. a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

inscrutable
a. of an obscure nature

Chapter 10. Extract from the Diary of Dr. Watson

indelibly
ad. in way that cannot be removed or forgotten;

drizzle
v. rain lightly v. moisten with fine drops

dreary
a. lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

impending
a. close in time; about to occur

fiend
n. a cruel wicked and inhuman person n. an evil supernatural being

hell-fire
n. the fire or fires regarded as existing in hel

distrait
a. having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety, distracted or absentminded

grievance
n. a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action

abet
v. assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing

grate
n. the recess of a fireplace or furnace

rake
v. set (something, especially a stage or the floor of an auditorium) at a sloping angle

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

bleak
a. offering little or no hope a. unpleasantly cold and damp

atone
v. turn away from sin or do penitence

deluge
v. fill quickly beyond capacity; as with a liquid

sodden
a. wet through and through; thoroughly wet

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

down
n. a gently rolling hill

squall
n. sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation

russet
a. of brown with a reddish tinge

wreath
n. flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

spaniel
n. any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears

jolt
v. move or cause to move with a sudden jerky motion

gentry
n. the most powerful members of a society

crank
n. a bad-tempered person

blackguard
n. a person, particularly a man, who behaves in a dishonorable or contemptible way

desert
v. abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous

pittance
n. an inadequate payment

craniology
n. scientific study of shape and size of skulls of different human races;

tempestuous
a. (of the elements) as if showing violent anger

ecarte
n. card game for two players, originating in 19th-century France

goings-on
n. events or behavior, especially of an unusual or suspect nature

lash
v. beat severely with a whip or rod

Chapter 11. The Man on the Tor

indelibly
ad. in way that cannot be removed or forgotten;

deficient
a. not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient

prick
v. make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn

hazel
n. a shade of brown that is yellowish or reddish

freckle
n. a small brownish spot (of the pigment melanin) on the skin

mar
v. make imperfect

defiant
a. boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

stealth
n. avoiding detection by moving carefully

almoner
n. official distributor of money or food given to poor people;

rendezvous
n. a place where people meet

intervene
v. be placed or located between other things or extend between spaces and events

rash
a. marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

incessant
a. uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

institute
v. set up or lay the groundwork for

baffle
v. be a mystery or bewildering to

dishearten
v. take away the enthusiasm of

reticent
a. reluctant to draw attention to yourself

vigil
n. a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe

unwonted
a. out of the ordinary

wagonette
n. four-wheeled horse-drawn pleasure vehicle with facing side seats;

roughshod
a. (of horse) having shoes with nail heads projecting to prevent slipping;

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

warren
n. a colony of rabbits

trespass
v. commit a sin; violate a law of God or a moral law

effigy
n. a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)

poach
v. hunt illegally

spiteful
a. showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite

busybody
n. a person who interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern

autocrat
n. a cruel and oppressive dictator

meek
a. evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant

lead
n. a blank space between lines of print

urchin
n. poor and often mischievous city child

uncouth
a. lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

furtive
a. secret and sly or sordid

indignation
n. a feeling of righteous anger

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

dissuade
v. turn away from by persuasion

haze
n. a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles

jut
v. extend out or project in space

curlew
n. large migratory shorebirds of the sandpiper family; closely related to woodcocks but having a down-curved bill

cleft
n. a split or indentation in something

warily
ad. cautiously;

poise
v. be or cause to be balanced or suspended

dilapidate
v. cause something to fall into disrepair or ruin;

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

slumber
v .sleep

utensil
n. an implement for practical use (especially in a household)

checker
v. vary with contrasting elements or situations

pannikin
n. a small pan or cup (usually of tin)

entangle
v. entrap v. twist together or entwine into a confusing mass

mesh
n. contact by fitting together

immutable
a. unchanging over time or unable to be changed

mellow
a. pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness

recess
n. a small concavity

sombre
a. lacking brightness or color; dull

clink
n. high sound typical as clicking glass

Chapter 12. Death on the Moor

lintel
n. horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or window

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

linen
n. a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant

tenacity
n. persistent determination

ambush
v. wait in hiding to attack

imprudent
a. lacking wise self-restraint

invaluable
a. having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth

detach
v. separate (a small unit) from a larger, especially for a special assignment

craft
n. the skilled practice of a practical occupation

gird
v. encircle (a person or part of the body) with a belt or band

grief
n. something that causes great unhappiness n. intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

atrocious
a. shockingly brutal or cruel

entomology
n. the branch of zoology that studies insects

undeceive
v. tell someone that idea or belief is mistaken;

streak
n. a narrow marking of a different color or texture from the background

ailing
a. somewhat ill or prone to illness

anguish
n. extreme distress of body or mind

vehemence
n. intensity or forcefulness of expression

peal
v. ring loudly or in a bell

rumble
n. a loud low dull continuous noise

yell
v. utter a sudden loud cry

thud
n. dull sound

prostrate
n. throwing down flat, as on the ground

somersault
n. an acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return

rustle
n. a dry crackling sound

clot
n. a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid

ruddy
a. inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

flicker
v. flash intermittently

mangle
v. injure badly by beating

precipitous
a. extremely steep

spasm
n. a painful and involuntary muscular contraction

beetle
v. be suspended over or hang over

paroxysm
n. a sudden uncontrollable attack

raven
v. prey on or hunt for

audacious
a. showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

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

dapper
a. marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

jaunty
a. having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air

smudge
n. a blemish made by dirt, stain, soil, foul, smear

Chapter 13. Fixing the Nets

paralyze
v. cause to be paralyzed and immobile

stolid
a. having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

thereof
ad. from that circumstance or source

ordeal
n. a severe or trying experience, a painful or horrific experience

mop
v. make a sad face and thrust out one's lower lip

conscientious
a. guided by or in accordance with conscience or sense of right and wrong

incriminate
v. suggest that someone is guilty

muzzle
v. prevent from speaking out

personification
n. representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature

exultation
n. a feeling of extreme joy

connoisseur
n. an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts

meek
a. quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive

ruffian
n. a cruel and brutal fellow

fascination
n. a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual

plume
v. spread out in a shape resembling a feather.

ringlet
n. a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

throwback
n. a reappearance of an earlier characteristic

doctrine
n. a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

reincarnation
n. embodiment in a new form (especially the reappearance or a person in another form)

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

cork
n. (botany) outer tissue of bark; a protective layer of dead cells

pike
n. a large elongate long-snouted freshwater bony fish

mesh
n. material made of a network of wire or thread

dine
v. give dinner to; host for dinner

juncture
n. a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made

implicitly
ad. in way that is not directly expressed; without qualification;

desertion
n. withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility

pledge
n. a deposit of personal property as security for a debt n. a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something

defiantly
ad. in manner that shows open resistance;

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

precipice
n. a very steep cliff

wily
a. marked by skill in deception

wiry
a. of hair that resembles wire in stiffness

reverential
a. feeling or manifesting veneration, respectful

Chapter 14. The Hound of the Baskervilles

loath
a. unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

ordeal
n. a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one

anticipation
n. something expected

hamper
v. put at a disadvantage, hinder or impede the movement or progress of

restraint
n. a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits

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

ambush
v. wait in hiding to attack

lattice
n. framework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal

omen
v. indicate by signs

sluggish
a. moving slowly

serrate
v. make saw-toothed or jag the edge of

bristle
v. stand upright away from the skin, especially in anger or fear

spangle
n. a small thin piece of glittering material, typically used in quantity to ornament a dress

woolly
a. covered with dense cottony hairs or hairlike filaments

wisp
n. small thin or twisted bunch;

swirl
n. a whirling mass or motion

wreath
n. flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

inexorably
ad. in way that is impossible to stop or prevent;

crouch
v. sit on one's heels

exultant
a. joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

inert
a. slow and apathetic a. unable to move or resist motion

smoulder
v. burn slowly and without a flame

dewlap
n. a hanging fold of loose skin on an elderly person's neck

flicker
v. flash intermittently

delirious
a. marked by uncontrolled excitement or emotion

appal
v. strike with disgust or revulsion

apparition
n. something existing in perception only

hideous
a. so extremely ugly as to be terrifying

flank
n. a cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg

vicious
a. (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

mastiff
n. an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog

gaunt
a. very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

bluish
a. of the color intermediate between green and violet

muzzle
n. the projecting jaws and nose of an animal

phosphorus
n. chemical element of atomic number 15, a yellowish waxy solid that ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark

dodder
v. walk unsteadily

defiant
a. boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

swathe
v. wrap in swaddling clothes n. an enveloping bandage

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

gag
n. a device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation

weal
n. a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions

defile
v. make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

dupe
n. a person who is tricked or swindled

merriment
n. activities that are enjoyable or amusing

hale
a. exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health

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

rush
n. any of various monocotyledonous often tufted marsh plants

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

undulation
n. wavelike motion; a gentle rising and falling in the manner of waves

tenacious
a. stubbornly unyielding

obscene
a. suggestive of or tending to moral looseness

slime
n. a moist, soft, and slippery substance, typically regarded as repulsive

ooze
v. (of a fluid) slowly trickle or seep out of something; flow in a very gradual way

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

reek
n. a foul smell

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

gnaw
v. become ground down or deteriorate

hush
v. become quiet or still; fall silent

daub
v. cover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it v. apply to a surface

splotch
v. blotch or spot

Chapter 15. A Retrospection

upshot
n. the final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events

atrocious
a. shockingly brutal or cruel a. exceptionally bad or displeasing

barrister
n. a British or Canadian lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law on behalf of either the defense or prosecution

purloin
v. make off with belongings of others, steal

consumptive
a. afflicted with or associated with pulmonary tuberculosis

strike up
v. cause to begin talking or singing or playing

disrepute
n. the state of being held in low esteem

infamy
n. evil fame or public reputation

entomology
n. the branch of zoology that studies insects

intervene
v. be placed or located between other things or extend between spaces and events

hazy
a. filled or abounding with fog or mist

decoy
n. something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed

finesse
n. subtly skillful handling of a situation

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

kennel
n. outbuilding that serves as a shelter for a dog

entangle
v. entrap v. twist together or entwine into a confusing mass

bring to a head
v. cause to reach a turning point or crisis

specious
a. based on pretense; deceptively pleasing a. plausible but false

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

lair
n. the habitation of wild animals

inkling
n. a slight suggestion or vague understanding

expedient
n. a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one

audacity
n. aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery n. fearless daring

procure
v. get by special effort

outre
a. conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

duly
ad. at the proper time

elucidate
v. make clear and (more) comprehensible

wane
v. become smaller v. grow smaller

whither
ad. to what place or state;

red-handed
a. having been discovered in or just after the act of doing something wrong or illegal

reproach
n. disgrace or shame

tax
v. confront (someone) with a fault or wrongdoing

fidelity
n. the quality of being faithful

doom
n. an unpleasant or disastrous destiny

none the less
ad. in spite of that; nevertheless

condone
v. excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with

bogie
n. an evil spirit

Words of The Hound of the Baskervilles