Short Story Anthology

Faheem A.
1.The Destructors, 2. The Custody of the Pumpkin, 3. A Horse & Two Goats,4. The Son's Veto, 5. The Rain Horse, 6. The Custody of the Pumpkin, 7. My Greatest Ambition, 8. The Sandpiper, 9. Her First Ball, 10. At Hiruhumara
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. adieu
    a farewell remark
  2. afflict
    cause physical pain or suffering in
  3. alfalfa
    plant with trifoliate leaves mostly grown to feed livestock
  4. alight
    settle or come to rest
  5. altruistic
    showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
  6. ambiguous
    having more than one possible meaning
  7. amble
    walk leisurely
  8. ambulate
    walk about or move from one place to another
  9. amiable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  10. antiquity
    the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
  11. apace
    rapidly; in a speedy manner
  12. appertain
    be a part or attribute of
  13. aquiline
    curved down like an eagle's beak
  14. arid
    lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  15. aristocracy
    a privileged class holding hereditary titles
  16. ascendancy
    the state when one person or group has power over another
  17. ascertain
    learn or discover with confidence
  18. assent
    agree or express agreement
  19. august
    profoundly honored
  20. austere
    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor
  21. avatar
    the manifestation of a Hindu deity in human or animal form
  22. aversion
    a feeling of intense dislike
  23. balustrade
    a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony
  24. banister
    a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony
  25. barrow-boy
    a hawker of fruit and vegetables from a barrow
  26. beam
    a long thick piece of material used in construction
  27. beat
    a regular route for a sentry, police officer, or reporter
  28. bleat
    the sound of sheep or goats (or any sound resembling this)
  29. blitz
    a swift military offensive with intensive aerial bombardment
  30. bloomer
    a flower that blooms in a particular way
  31. bogie
    an evil spirit
  32. bough
    any of the larger branches of a tree
  33. bracken
    large coarse fern often several feet high
  34. bramble
    any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines
  35. bravado
    a swaggering show of courage
  36. brocade
    thick expensive material with a raised pattern
  37. brooding
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
  38. bustle
    move or cause to move energetically or busily
  39. camphor
    a resin obtained from the camphor tree
  40. caroller
    a singer of carols
  41. chaperone
    one who accompanies and supervises young people
  42. chisel
    an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  43. chronicle
    a record or narrative description of past events
  44. clangour
    a loud resonant repeating noise
  45. cloistral
    of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows
  46. clump
    a grouping of a number of similar things
  47. comport
    behave in a certain manner
  48. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence
  49. contrite
    feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
  50. convulse
    move or stir about violently
  51. convulsive
    affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions
  52. copse
    a dense growth of trees, shrubs, or bushes
  53. corkscrew
    a bottle opener that pulls corks
  54. cud
    food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  55. curate
    a person authorized to conduct religious worship
  56. dado
    a rectangular groove cut into a board so that another piece can fit into it
  57. daunted
    caused to show discomposure
  58. debris
    the remains of something that has been destroyed
  59. delinquent
    a young offender
  60. demeanour
    the way a person behaves toward other people
  61. deprecate
    express strong disapproval of; deplore
  62. desolation
    sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
  63. dither
    be undecided or uncertain
  64. dour
    showing a brooding ill humor
  65. downcast
    filled with melancholy and despondency
  66. drab
    a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
  67. dreary
    lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
  68. elated
    exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
  69. encumbrance
    an onerous or difficult concern
  70. enormity
    the quality of extreme wickedness
  71. envisage
    form a mental image of something that is not present
  72. escapade
    any carefree episode
  73. escutcheon
    a shield; especially one displaying a coat of arms
  74. estuary
    the wide part of a river where it nears the sea
  75. evergreen
    a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year
  76. exasperated
    greatly annoyed; out of patience
  77. exhilaration
    the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
  78. exotic
    characteristic of another place or part of the world
  79. extricate
    release from entanglement or difficulty
  80. facade
    a showy misrepresentation to conceal something unpleasant
  81. facade
    the front of a building
  82. faggoting
    embroidery in which groups of parallel threads are tied together with fagot stitches
  83. famished
    extremely hungry
  84. fastening
    the act of fastening things together
  85. fastidious
    giving careful attention to detail
  86. fatuous
    devoid of intelligence
  87. ferment
    cause to undergo the breakdown of sugar into alcohol
  88. fickleness
    unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous
  89. flaccid
    drooping without elasticity
  90. flank
    be located at the sides of something or somebody
  91. flannel
    a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
  92. fleece
    the outer coat of an animal, especially sheep and yaks
  93. flexuous
    having turns or windings
  94. fluffy
    like down or as soft as down
  95. forecourt
    the outer or front court of a building or of a group of buildings
  96. forestall
    keep from happening or arising; make impossible
  97. forthright
    directly and without evasion; not roundabout
  98. forthwith
    without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
  99. foyer
    a large entrance or reception room or area
  100. frugal
    avoiding waste
  101. furrow
    a long shallow trench in the ground
  102. furtive
    secret and sly
  103. galling
    causing irritation or annoyance
  104. gambol
    play or run boisterously
  105. gargoyle
    an ornament consisting of a grotesquely carved figure
  106. gastropod
    a class of mollusks typically having a one-piece coiled shell and flattened muscular foot with a head bearing stalked eyes
  107. gawky
    awkward and clumsy in movement or posture
  108. genteel
    marked by refinement in taste and manners
  109. glebe
    plot of land belonging to an English parish church or an ecclesiastical office
  110. glee
    great merriment
  111. grandiose
    impressive because of unnecessary largeness or magnificence
  112. groggy
    stunned or confused and slow to react
  113. gumboil
    a boil or abscess on the gums
  114. hacksaw
    saw used with one hand for cutting metal
  115. happy-go-lucky
    cheerfully irresponsible
  116. haughty
    having or showing arrogant superiority
  117. hauteur
    overbearing pride with a superior manner toward inferiors
  118. heed
    careful attention
  119. heel
    the back part of the human foot
  120. heretofore
    up to this point or up to the present time
  121. homestead
    the house and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
  122. hoot
    a loud raucous cry (as of an owl)
  123. hover
    hang in the air; fly or be suspended above
  124. howdah
    a seat for riding on the back of a camel or elephant
  125. ignoble
    dishonorable in character or purpose
  126. imbecile
    a person of subnormal intelligence
  127. imperative
    requiring attention or action
  128. implacable
    incapable of being appeased or pacified
  129. implore
    beg or request earnestly and urgently
  130. imposing
    befitting an important, distinguished, or powerful person
  131. impromptu
    with little or no preparation or forethought
    Used in 'The Destructors' by Graham Greene (p160); here it actually means make-shift, possibly beaten down by the "blitz".
  132. incarnate
    possessing or existing in bodily form
  133. incendiary
    capable of causing fires or catching fire spontaneously
  134. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
  135. incumbent
    necessary as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
  136. indefatigable
    showing sustained enthusiasm with unflagging vitality
  137. indignant
    angered at something unjust or wrong
  138. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
  139. indolence
    inactivity resulting from a dislike of work
  140. inevitably
    in such a manner as could not be otherwise
  141. inexorable
    impossible to prevent, resist, or stop
  142. inexplicable
    incapable of being explained or accounted for
  143. infantile
    of or relating to babies
  144. infinitesimal
    immeasurably small
  145. ingratiate
    gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
  146. inordinate
    beyond normal limits
  147. insuperable
    incapable of being surpassed or excelled
  148. itinerant
    traveling from place to place to work
  149. jaunty
    having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
  150. jeopardize
    pose a threat to; present a danger to
  151. joist
    a beam used to support a floor or ceiling
  152. jug
    lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
  153. keepsake
    something of sentimental value
  154. knobble
    a small knob
  155. lantana
    a flowering shrub
  156. lantern
    a light in a transparent protective case
  157. lapel
    a fold of fabric below the collar of a coat or jacket
  158. loathe
    dislike intensely; feel disgust toward
  159. ludicrous
    inviting ridicule
  160. lumber
    move heavily or clumsily
  161. lurid
    glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
  162. magnanimity
    nobility and generosity of spirit
  163. makeshift
    done or made using whatever is available
  164. marred
    blemished by injury or rough wear
  165. maul
    injure badly
  166. meadow
    a field where grass or alfalfa is grown to be made into hay
  167. meander
    move or cause to move in a winding or curving course
  168. memoir
    an account of the author's personal experiences
  169. messuage
    (law) a dwelling house and its adjacent buildings and the adjacent land used by the household
  170. mien
    a person's appearance, manner, or demeanor
  171. milieu
    the environmental condition
  172. millet
    a grain-like food that grows in grassy stalks
  173. mimic
    imitate, especially for satirical effect
  174. misgiving
    uneasiness about the fitness of an action
  175. mockery
    showing your contempt by derision
  176. moodily
    in a moody manner
  177. moody
    subject to sharply varying moods
  178. mortar
    a vessel in which substances can be ground with a pestle
  179. mortar
    a substance used as a bond in masonry or for covering a wall
  180. mould
    the distinctive form in which a thing is made
  181. mudguard
    a curved piece above the wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle to protect the rider from water or mud thrown up by the wheels
  182. muffled
    being or made softer or less loud or clear
  183. nod
    lower and raise the head, as to indicate assent or agreement or confirmation
  184. nondescript
    lacking distinct or individual characteristics
  185. nosegay
    an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
  186. nudge
    push against gently
  187. nymph
    a minor nature goddess depicted as a beautiful maiden
  188. orb
    an object with a spherical shape
  189. ordained
    fixed or established especially by command
  190. paddock
    a pen for horses
  191. parable
    a short moral story
  192. parched
    extremely thirsty
  193. parish
    a local church community
  194. parley
    a negotiation between enemies
  195. paroxysm
    a sudden uncontrollable attack
  196. parquet
    a floor made of a patterned wood inlay
  197. parsonage
    housing that a church provides for its clergy
  198. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  199. peroration
    the concluding section of a rhetorical address
  200. persecution
    causing someone to suffer
  201. personage
    one whose actions and opinions have a strong impact
  202. perturbed
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion
  203. perusal
    the act of examining or reading carefully
  204. pestilence
    any epidemic disease with a high death rate
  205. pillage
    steal goods; take as spoils
  206. pinafore
    a sleeveless dress resembling an apron
  207. pince-nez
    spectacles clipped to the nose by a spring
  208. pining
    a feeling of deep longing
  209. pinioned
    bound fast especially having the arms restrained
  210. plaintive
    expressing sorrow
  211. pluck
    pull lightly but sharply
  212. ponder
    reflect deeply on a subject
  213. prance
    move or step in a lively, spirited, or showy way
  214. prance
    move or step in a lively, spirited, or showy way
  215. preamble
    make a preliminary introduction, as to a formal document
  216. predicament
    an unpleasant or difficult situation
  217. promenade
    a leisurely walk, usually in some public place
  218. propose
    present for consideration, examination, or criticism
  219. provisions
    a stock or supply of foods
  220. prowl
    move about in or as if in a predatory manner
  221. punctual
    acting or arriving exactly at the time appointed
  222. quail
    draw back, as with fear or pain
  223. quiver
    shake with fast, tremulous movements
  224. quivering
    the act of vibrating
  225. rabble
    a disorderly crowd of people
  226. rankle
    make resentful or angry
  227. rapturous
    feeling great delight
  228. ravage
    cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
  229. rebuke
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  230. recital
    a public instance of repeating something prepared in advance
  231. reed
    a tall woody perennial grass with a slender hollow stem
    In 'The Custody of the Pumpkin' used to describe Robert Barker, the assistant to the head gardener, McAllister.
  232. reel
    a winder around which flexible materials can be wound
  233. reminisce
    recall the past
  234. remorse
    a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed
  235. rendezvous
    a meeting planned at a certain time and place
    The word 'tryst' has a similar meaning.
  236. reproachful
    expressing disapproval, blame, or disappointment
  237. resent
    feel bitter or indignant about
  238. resentment
    a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  239. restive
    in a very tense state
  240. resurrect
    cause to become alive again
  241. retain
    secure and keep for possible future use or application
  242. retch
    make an unsuccessful effort to vomit; strain to vomit
  243. retort
    a quick reply to a question or remark
  244. revelation
    an enlightening or astonishing disclosure
  245. reverent
    feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
  246. reverie
    an abstracted state of absorption
  247. rheumatic
    of or pertaining to arthritis
  248. rivet
    direct one's attention on something
  249. rogue
    a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
  250. roguishly
    like a dishonest rogue
  251. roseate
    of something having a dusty purplish pink color
  252. rummy
    beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
  253. sallow
    unhealthy looking
  254. sally
    a military action in which besieged troops burst forth
  255. sandpiper
    any of numerous usually small wading birds having a slender bill and piping call; closely related to the plovers
  256. sapling
    young tree
  257. sardonic
    disdainfully or ironically humorous
  258. scandalise
    strike with disgust or revulsion
  259. scoffer
    someone who jeers or mocks or treats something with contempt or calls out in derision
  260. scorn
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  261. scoundrel
    someone who does evil deliberately
  262. scowl
    frown with displeasure
  263. scrounge
    obtain or seek to obtain by begging, pleading, or flattering
  264. scruples
    motivation deriving from ethical or moral principles
  265. scurf
    a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin
  266. seamstress
    someone who makes or mends clothes
  267. seclusion
    the act of isolating oneself from others
  268. seedy
    morally degraded
  269. sentient
    endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
  270. sentinel
    a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
  271. sequester
    keep away from others
  272. serenity
    the absence of mental stress or anxiety
  273. shambles
    a condition of great disorder
  274. shearing
    removing by cutting off or clipping
  275. shimmy
    an abnormal wobble in a motor vehicle
  276. shoal
    a stretch of shallow water
  277. shrivel
    wither, as with a loss of moisture
  278. sidle
    move sideways
  279. skirting
    being all around the edges; enclosing
  280. sledgehammer
    a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges
  281. slug
    a land-dwelling mollusk with no external shell
  282. smothered
    held in check or kept back with difficulty
  283. sodden
    wet through and through; thoroughly wet
  284. solemn
    dignified and somber in manner or character
  285. sombre
    grave or even gloomy in character
  286. spinney
    a copse that shelters game
  287. sprawl
    sit or lie with one's limbs spread out
  288. spurn
    reject with contempt
  289. sputter
    spit up in an explosive manner
  290. squat
    sit on one's heels
  291. staunch
    firm and dependable especially in loyalty
  292. stealthy
    marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
  293. stern
    serious and harsh in manner or behavior
  294. stray
    wander from a direct course or at random
  295. stroll
    a leisurely walk, usually in some public place
  296. sturdy
    having rugged physical strength
  297. surfeit
    indulge (one's appetite) to satiety
  298. surmount
    get on top of; deal with successfully
  299. surreptitious
    marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
  300. swathe
    wrap in or as if in strips of cloth
  301. tactless
    lacking what is considerate in dealing with others
  302. tamarind
    long-lived tropical evergreen tree with a spreading crown and feathery evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers yielding hard yellowish wood and long pods with edible chocolate-colored acidic pulp
  303. terrestrial
    of or relating to or characteristic of the planet Earth
  304. tethered
    confined or restricted with or as if with a rope or chain
  305. thicket
    a dense growth of bushes
  306. timid
    showing fear and lack of courage
  307. topple
    fall down, as if collapsing
  308. totter
    move without being stable, as if threatening to fall
  309. trance
    a psychological state induced by a magical incantation
  310. tread
    put down, place, or press the foot
  311. trifle
    a detail that is considered insignificant
  312. triumph
    a successful ending of a struggle or contest
  313. truculence
    stubborn and defiant aggressiveness
  314. trudge
    walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
  315. tryst
    a secret rendezvous, especially a romantic one
  316. tuft
    a bunch or cluster of strands, as of grass, hair, etc.
  317. turret
    a small tower extending above a building
  318. twiddle
    turn in a twisting or spinning motion
  319. twinge
    a sudden sharp feeling
  320. unimpeded
    not slowed or prevented
  321. unobtrusive
    not undesirably noticeable
  322. urchin
    a poor and often mischievous city child
  323. vandal
    someone who willfully destroys or defaces property
  324. veneer
    coating consisting of a thin layer of wood
  325. veneration
    a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
  326. veto
    a vote that blocks a decision
  327. vicarage
    housing that a church provides for its clergy
  328. vista
    the visual percept of a region
  329. vouchsafe
    grant in a condescending manner
  330. waddle
    walk unsteadily
  331. waggle
    causing to move repeatedly from side to side
  332. waltz
    music composed in triple time
  333. wander
    move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
    An interesting construct of word form 'wander' is wanderlust which means to have a very strong or irresistible urge to travel.
  334. wanderlust
    very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
  335. wane
    a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  336. wangle
    accomplishing something by scheming or trickery
  337. wicker
    flexible branches or twigs that can be woven together
  338. wriggle
    move in a twisting or contorted motion
  339. yew
    evergreen tree or shrub having red cup-shaped berries
  340. zeal
    a feeling of strong eagerness
Created on Tue Nov 05 02:24:19 EST 2013 (updated Thu Nov 14 00:39:11 EST 2013)

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