A Christmas Carol - Vocabulary Stave 1/2

unhallowed

unholy; wicked

inquire

ask for information from someone

obscure

make unclear and difficult to understand; keep from being seen, conceal

derive

obtain something from a specified source

homage

special honor or respect shown publicly

destitute

without the basic necessities of life

carol

a religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas

oblige

do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them

dread

great fear or apprehension; anticipate with great apprehension or fear

caustic

sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way

agitate

make someone troubled or nervous

appalling

causing shock or dismay; horrific

justified

having, done for, or marked by a good or legitimate reason

amends

make better; improve

penance

voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong

countenance

a person's face or facial expression; support

apparition

a ghost or ghost-like image of a person

preposterous

contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous

resolution

a firm decision to do or not to do something

recede

go or move back or further away from a previous position

vestige

a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists

despondent

in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

condescension

an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain

strife

angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict

substantial

of considerable importance, size, or worth

corroborate

confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding

toil

work extremely hard or incessantly

avarice

extreme greed for wealth or material gain

aspirations

a hope or ambition of achieving something

adversary

one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute