The Fighting Ground: List 5

by Avi
In this historical novel, thirteen-year-old Jonathan defies his father's wishes and joins the fight for American independence.

This list covers April 3, 1778: 9:00–April 4, 1778: 10:30.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: List 1, List 2, List 3, List 4, List 5

Here are links to our lists for other works by Avi: Crispin: The Cross of Lead, Nothing but the Truth
30 words 47 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. redeem
    restore the honor or worth of
    Groping, he sought some way out, something to do that might redeem him.
  2. silhouette
    an outline of a solid object as cast by its shadow
    On all sides he could see only the dark, slender silhouettes of trees, as if he were in a vast cage.
  3. fragmentary
    consisting of small disconnected parts
    A high and fragmentary moon came and went elusively.
  4. elusive
    skillful at evading capture
    A high and fragmentary moon came and went elusively.
  5. muffled
    being or made softer or less loud or clear
    He could see the fire, and he heard low, muffled voices.
  6. loom
    come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
    A form loomed up. Jonathan spun around, wanting only to flee.
  7. firebrand
    a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning
    Eight excited men circled Jonathan. Some held firebrands, some muskets. They gaped at him, pushed at him, touched him.
  8. gape
    look with amazement
    Eight excited men circled Jonathan. Some held firebrands, some muskets. They gaped at him, pushed at him, touched him.
  9. fatigue
    temporary loss of strength and energy from hard work
    Jonathan, not wanting to talk, thankful to be among friends, but knowing he must answer, tried to push away his fatigue.
  10. gauge
    judge tentatively or form an estimate of
    He took a deep breath, glancing around the circle to gauge the reaction.
  11. rapt
    feeling great delight and interest
    He looked up, grateful for the rapt attention the men were giving him.
  12. falter
    speak haltingly
    Suddenly, he remembered—“I tried to kill them,” he said, his voice faltering.
  13. compact
    squeeze or push together
    It was as if his heart and lungs had been compacted into a hard, round ball, making it difficult for him to breathe.
  14. garrison
    a fortified military post where troops are stationed
    “There was an older boy there too,” continued the Corporal. “He got away. He must have reached the Hessian garrison and informed them. As I told you gentlemen this morning, it was probably he who brought the Hessians out today, seeking some sort of revenge.”
  15. tattered
    worn to shreds; or wearing torn or ragged clothing
    The Corporal’s green jacket, which had begun the day before in poor-enough condition, was now torn about the shoulder, exposing tattered lining.
  16. retort
    a quick reply to a question or remark
    “Too bad none of us speak German,” said another.
    “What for?” came the retort. “Nothing to talk about.”
  17. stammer
    speak haltingly
    “It’s...it’s a small house,” Jonathan stammered.
  18. haze
    dust or smoke in the air that causes reduced visibility
    A faint gray haze hung in the east.
  19. liable
    likely to be affected with
    “Tied him up, didn’t they?” put in someone. “Yeah. Maybe they’ve already seen he’s gone.”
    “They’re liable to suspect something.”
  20. volley
    rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
    As if to echo what he said, a volley of shots smashed up against the wood house like a host of hammers.
  21. disheveled
    in disarray; extremely disorderly
    The Hessians, completely disheveled, unbuttoned, bootless, listened intently.
  22. writhing
    moving in a twisting or snake-like or wormlike fashion
    The rope—the rope to which Jonathan had been tied—remained tied to his ankle and flayed about like a writhing snake.
  23. spasmodic
    affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions
    “Los!” grunted the old soldier and stepped into the doorway. Jonathan twitched spasmodically. The grip around his neck tightened. He was choking.
  24. desperate
    showing extreme urgency or intensity because of great need
    In a last, desperate effort, Jonathan twisted violently, butting his head into the old soldier’s chest.
  25. teeter
    move unsteadily, with a rocking motion
    The soldier teetered at the top of the porch and released Jonathan.
  26. sear
    become superficially burned (also figurative)
    The burn of its passing seared his hand.
  27. shroud
    cover as if with a burial garment
    As he watched, they grew faint, shrouded in the rising morning mist.
  28. surge
    rise rapidly
    With the surging strength of his exploding rage, he brought it down against the stone hearth.
  29. flustered
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion
    The Corporal, momentarily flustered, started to say something, stopped, and walked away.
  30. mirage
    something illusory and unattainable
    Briefly he stopped, feeling as though he was seeing a mirage; it was himself he seemed to see, himself as he had been the day before, rushing headlong from the field.
Created on Sun Jan 20 17:30:51 EST 2019 (updated Tue Feb 12 11:24:53 EST 2019)

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