The Dying Detective

Glossary

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a) gaunt (adj.) - lean, especially because of suffering, hunger or age. b) twitched (v) - give short, sudden jerking movements. c) contagious (adj.) - spreading of a disease from one person to another by direct contact d) groan (v) - make a deep inarticulate sound conveying pain or despair. e) plague (n) - a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever . f) bolted (v) - closed the door with a bar that slides into a socket. g) mantle piece (n) - a structure of wood or marble above or around the fireplace. h) half-crown (n) - a former British coin equal to two shillings and sixpence (12 1/2p). i) 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. h) delirious (adj.) - disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness. i) frail (adj.) - weak and delicate. j) startled (v) - felt sudden shock or alarm. h) scuffle (v) - to have a sudden short fi ght