Of Mice and Men: Ch. 1, Of Mice and Men: Ch. 2

junctures

(n) a point where things are joined; a crossing

Sycamore

(n) a type of large shade trees with egg-shaped leaves

recumbent

(adj) in a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting

jungle-up

(v) to camp out for the evening in the company of other like companions of the road (during the Great Depression, many wanderers would settle for the night in groups)

bindle

(n) a bundle, usually of bedding and other possessions, carried by a homeless person

morose

(adj) having a gloomy or sullen manner; not friendly or sociable

work card

(n) a card with a job assignment usually given to workers by an employment agency. It is then presented to the employer by the worker

stake

(n) a large sum of money

mottled

(adj.) marked with spots of different color

scourge

(n) a cause of great suffering or destruction

skeptically

(adv) not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations

buck

(v) (slang) to heave a huge grain bag onto a wagon or truck

barley

(n) a type of grain

mollify

(v) to calm or soothe

pugnacious

(adj) eager and ready to fight

jerkline skinner

the driver of a team of mules, using a rein (jerkline)

tart

(n) an immoral woman

archly

(adv) mischievously, slyly, playfully

apprehensive

(adj.) fearful or anxious, especially about the future