| A | B |
|---|
| a rebuke | an expression of strong disapproval or criticism |
| to sulk | to be silent, morose and bad-tempered because of annoyance or disappointment |
| a cosh | a thick, heavy stick or bar used as a weapon |
| gaunt | lean and haggard -- especially because of suffering, hunger, or age |
| an ambush | a surprise attack by people waiting in a hidden position |
| an urchin | a young child who is poorly or raggedly dressed |
| furtive | secretive; (describes a person who is trying to avoid being noticed) |
| a hag | a witch; an ugly old woman |
| an ampoule | a small, sealed glass capsule containing a liquid |
| a tome | a book -- especially a large, heavy scholarly book |
| squalid | extremely dirty and unpleasant; especially as a result of poverty or neglect |
| carotid arteries | the two main arteries that carry blood to the head and neck |
| eminent | famous or respected within a particular sphere |
| to blur | to make or become unclear or less distinct |
| to assuage | to make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense |
| arcane | understood by few; mysterious or secret |
| lore | a body of traditions and knowedge held by a particular group and passed from person to person by word of mouth |
| fraudulent | obtained, done by, or involving deception -- especially criminal deception |
| impudent | not showing due respect to another person |
| absentmindedness | forgetful; inattentive |
| to meander | to wander at random |
| to wane | to progressively decrease in size |
| alchemy | the medieval forefunner of chemistry; particularly attempts to convert metals into gold |
| a skirmish | an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting |
| destitute | extremely poor and without the means to provide for oneself |
| a cache | a collection of items stored or hidden in an inaccessible place |
| dastardly | wicked and cruel |
