5th Grade Word List in Literature

dearth

n. an amount of something that is too small: a lack

procure

v. get something, especially after an effort

plane

v. remove small strips of wood from a surface with a special tool

forsake

v. leave someone who needs or counts on you

sluggard

n. a lazy person

peep

v. secretly look at something for a short time, usually through a hole

wither

v. lose freshness, vigor, or vitality

naughty

a. badly behaved

reproach

n. disgrace or shame

yield

v. give up the control of or responsibility for something

crumble

v. fall apart
v. fall into decay or ruin

morsel

n. a small amount of solid food; a mouthful

crutch

n. a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground

entice

v. persuade someone to do something by offering them something pleasant

malice

n. the quality of threatening evil

mockingly

ad. in way that makes fun of someone or something

plump

a. having a pleasantly soft, rounded body or shape

dainty

a. especially pleasing to the taste

shrivel

v. wither, as with a loss of moisture
v. decrease in size, range, or extent

grated

a. (of food) reduced to small shreds by being rubbed

lament

v. express sadness and feeling sorry about something

cauldron

n. a very large pot that is used for boiling

knead

v. press something, especially a mixture for making bread, firmly and repeatedly with the hands

dough

n. a flour mixture stiff enough to knead or roll

howl

v. cry loudly, as of animals

pinafore

n. a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing

parlour

n. a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax