Of Mice and Men: Ch. 2

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