Glossary

Glossary

ledge (n)- a narrow shelf that juts out from a vertical surface

shrilly (adv.)- producing a high-pitched and piercing voice or sound

herring (n)- a long silver fish that swims in large groups in the sea

devour (v)- to eat something eagerly and in large amounts, so that nothing is left

cackle (n)- a sharp, broken noise or cry of a hen, goose or seagull

mackerel (n)- a sea fish with a strong taste, often used as food

gnaw (v)- to bite or chew something repeatedly

trot (v)- to run at a moderate pace with short steps

precipice (n)- a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain

whet (v)- to sharpen

preening (v)- cleaning feathers with beak

plaintively (adv.)- sadly, calling in a sad way

swoop (v)- to move very quickly and easily through the air

beckoning (v) - making a gesture with the hand or head to encourage someone to approach or follow.