| phoenix | a mythological bird reborn from its own ashes | In the Harry Potter stories, a phoenix plays an important role in Harry's fight against evil. |
| meditative | religiously or philosophically thoughtful | A period of ten minutes of meditation help calm him for the rigors of the day. |
| rouse up | startle | The baby rose up and started crying at the sound of the horn. |
| furrow | a plowed row on a farm | The furrows were sown with alfalfa. |
| ravine | a deap narrow valley | The house was lost during the rains, washed down a ravine. |
| lolling tongue | with a tongue hanging out | The healer claimed to be able to heal people with lolling tongues. |
| cur | a dog, a mutt, likely a mixed breed, not a nice expression | The old cur acted like he wanted to bite my foot off.. |
| lye | a harsh chemical used to make soap | The lye made his eyes water. |
| obstinate | stubborn | The obstinate student refused to leave. |