| dread | fear greatly |
| participles | forms of verbs (such as walking, walked) — a grammar topic |
| temptation | something that attracts one to do what one should not |
| sawmill | a place where logs are cut into planks |
| drilling | (of soldiers) practising marching and exercises |
| bulletin board | a notice board for public announcements |
| draft | an order calling men to serve in the army |
| commanding officer | the officer in charge of troops |
| blacksmith | a person who makes and repairs iron things |
| apprentice | a young person learning a trade |
| bustle | busy, noisy activity |
| unison | (in unison) all together at the same time |
| solemn | serious and formal |
| frilled | decorated with ruffles |
| embroidered | decorated with needlework |
| inspection | an official visit to check a school |
| primer | a child's first reading book |
| thumbed | worn at the edges by much handling |
| grave | serious |
| thunder-clap | a loud crash of thunder; a sudden shock |
| wretches | (here) wicked, hateful people |
| Saar | a river in the region |
| cranky | bad-tempered |
| recite | say aloud from memory |
| reproach | blame, criticise |
| enslaved | made slaves; ruled by foreigners |
| copies | (here) handwriting models to copy |
| round hand | a neat, rounded style of handwriting |
| rods | thin bars (at the top of the desks) |
| fish-hooks | curved strokes practised by small children learning to write |
| coo | (of pigeons) make a soft murmuring sound |
| motionless | not moving |
| hop-vine | a climbing plant |
| trunks | large boxes for travel |
| Angelus | a church bell rung for prayer, here at noon |
| choke | be unable to speak from emotion |
| gesture | a movement of the hand to express meaning |
| dismissed | allowed to leave |