His Dark Materials: The Northern Lights Day 1

Decanted

poured out; transferred; unloaded as if by pouring.

Labouriously

requiring much work.

Contending

fighting; dealing with difficulties.

Pointedly

with deliberate emphasis; purposely.

Submissively

in a humble and obedient manner.

Suppress

to stop by force, put down.

Ingratiate

to gain another's favor by flattery or false friendliness.

Languid

(adj.) drooping; without energy, sluggish.

patronise

treat with an apparent kindness which betrays a feeling of superiority.

Unfathomably

difficult or impossible to understand.

Grimacing

a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc..

Austerely

severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding, serious.