4th Grade Word List in Literature

ebony

n. tropical tree of southern Asia having hard dark-colored heartwood used in cabinetwork

prick

v. make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn

sprinkle

v. distribute loosely

vain

a. characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

spruce

a. neat in dress and appearance

meddle

v. try to change or have an influence on things that are not your responsibility

brethren

n. (pl, used as a form of address to members of an organization or religious group) brothers

pedlar

n. someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets)

bobbin

n. a small round or tube-shaped object around which thread is put

stay

n. a thin firm strip (as of plastic) used for stiffening a garment or part (such as a shirt collar)

nimbly

ad. in a way that is quick and exact either in movement or thoughts

ail

v. cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed

spite

n. the desire to annoy, upset, or hurt someone

malice

n. feeling a need to see others suffer

bier

n. movable frame on which coffin or corpse is placed before burial or cremation

bewail

v. express great sadness or disappointment about something

bemoan

v. complain or express sadness about something

besought

v. (past and past participle of beseech) ask urgently and fervently to do something

pomp

n. impressive and colourful ceremonies, especially traditional ceremonies on public occasions