Mark Twain: A Child's Biography Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Mark Twain: A Child's Biography

merchant (noun)

A person who buys and sells goods for profit, especially a shopkeeper or trader.

frolic (noun)

A playful outing or bout of lighthearted fun and merrymaking.

tract (noun)

A large area or expanse of land.

bustling (verb)

Moving about in an energetically busy manner.

coax (verb)

To gently and persistently persuade someone to do something.

goblins (noun)

Small, mischievous or malevolent creatures from folklore, often ugly and frightening.

delicate (adjective)

Frail in health; easily made ill or injured.

ox-teams (noun phrase)

A pair of oxen harnessed together to pull a wagon, plow, or cart.

plump (adjective)

Pleasingly round and full-bodied; healthily filled out.

saddled and bridled (verb)

Fitted a horse with a saddle for riding and a bridle for steering and control.

stammered (verb)

Spoke with involuntary pauses and repetitions, usually from embarrassment or nervousness.

steamer (noun)

A ship powered by a steam engine; a steamboat.

drawling (adjective)

Speaking in a slow, lazy manner with prolonged vowel sounds.

droll (adjective)

Amusing in a quiet, understated, or oddly humorous way.

chums (noun)

Close friends or companions.

excelling (verb)

Surpassing others or performing outstandingly well in a particular area.

compositions (noun)

Written pieces, especially essays or stories produced as school assignments.

testament (noun)

A copy of the Bible, especially the New Testament, used here as a book to swear an oath upon.

solemnly (adverb)

In a deeply serious and earnest manner, with formal gravity.

escapades (noun)

Wild, daring, or mischievous adventures or exploits.