The Witch of Blackbird Pond Vocab

quickly and energetically, in a lively way

Briskly

Fortification

a structure built to defend a place; a stronghold

Disembark

to leave a ship or other vehicle; go ashore

Consent

permission or agreement; to agree to something

Teetered

moved unsteadily as if about to fall; wobbled

Instinctively

automatically, without conscious thought

Hostile

unfriendly or threatening; antagonistic

Heathen

an old, often insulting term for a person outside a particular religion

Clergyman

a male religious leader; minister

Cuddled

separated into lumps; became unpleasant or disturbed

Sagged

dropped or sank downward from weight or weakness

Sickeningly

in a way that causes disgust, nausea, or distress

Aloof

distant and not friendly or involved; detached

Indifferent

not interested or concerned; uncaring

Frank

honest and direct; straightforward

Aristocratic

relating to the wealthy or noble upper class

Imperceptibly

so slightly that it is almost impossible to notice

Incredulous

unwilling or unable to believe something; doubtful

Jutted

stuck out beyond the surrounding surface

Befell

happened to someone, especially something unfortunate

Mere

only or no more than, used to emphasize smallness

Proportioned

having parts that are balanced in size or shape

Pewter

a gray metal mixture traditionally used for dishes and cups

Exquisite

extremely beautiful, delicate, or skillfully made

Embroidery

decorative designs sewn onto cloth with thread

Coarse

rough in texture or rude in manner

Regal

royal, majestic, or fit for a king or queen

Stern

strict, serious, and firm

Ponder

to think about something carefully; consider

Conceded

admitted that something was true or gave in

Gruel

a thin food made by boiling grain in water or milk

Idleness

the state of not working or being active

Exhilarating

making someone feel excited, cheerful, and energized

Vivid

bright, clear, and detailed in the mind or senses

Scarcely

hardly or barely

Tremulous

shaking slightly from fear, weakness, or nervousness

Frippery

showy decoration or clothing with little real value

Tuft

a small bunch of grass, feathers, or threads

Heap

a pile or large untidy collection

Ceased

stopped or came to an end