Glossary

Glossary

gaunt (adj.) - lean, especially because of suffering, hunger or age.

twitched (v) - give short, sudden jerking movements.

contagious (adj.) - spreading of a disease from one person to another by direct contact

groan (v) - make a deep inarticulate sound conveying pain or despair.

plague (n) - a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever .

bolted (v) - closed the door with a bar that slides into a socket.

mantle piece (n) - a structure of wood or marble above or around the fireplace.

half-crown (n) - a former British coin equal to two shillings and sixpence (12 1/2p).

tongs (n) - a device used for picking up objects consisting of two long pieces free at one end and pressed together at the other end.

delirious (adj.) - disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness.

frail (adj.) - weak and delicate.

startled (v) - felt sudden shock or alarm.

scuffle (v) - to have a sudden short fight