Lord of the Rings L

Alphabetical A-D		Alphabetical E - K		Alphabetical L- S		Alphabetical T - Z
Book 1	Book 2	Book 3	Book 4	Book 5	Book 6	Appendices

Word	Page 1st Used	Meaning as used in The Lord of the Rings	Context of use, sentence used in
lade	375	To load, as with a burden of cargo; charge of fill abundantly; load oppressively or burden.	They will not sink, *lade* them as you will; but they are *wayward* if mishandled.
lament	283	A mournful expression of grief or sorrow, as for the dead or for any loss or misfortune.	Only I hear the stones *lament* them: deep they delved us, fair they wrought us, high they builded us; but they are gone.
lamentation	361	A mournful expression of grief or sorrow, as for the dead or for any loss or misfortune; the act of lamenting, or the words, cries, or sounds uttered.	Often they heard nearby Elvish voices singing, and knew that they were making songs of *lamentation* for his fall, for they caught his name among the sweet sad words that they could not understand.
lapped	561	To infold or inwrap in something, hence, to surround or envelop.	Pale waters *lapped* about its feet.
lapped	673	To fold over or about something; wrap or wind around something; also, to infold or inwrap in something, hence, to surround or envelop; also, to lay (something) partly over something underneath.	It waded deep, as if it were heavily burdened, and it seemed to me as it passed under my gaze that it was almost filled with clear water, from which came the light; and *lapped* in the water a warrior lay asleep.
launds	703	A space among woods, a glade; untilled ground, pasture.	About them lay long *launds* of green grass dappled with celandine and anemones, white and blue, now folded for sleep; and there were acres populous with leaves of woodland hyacinths: already their sleek bell-stems were thrusting through the mould.
laved	474	To wash or bathe.	As for Treebeard, he first *laved* his feet in the basin beyond the arch, and then he drained his bowl at one draught, one long, slow draught.
Lawks	101	A vulgar substitute for Lord in exclamatory uses.	'Lawks!' said Merry, looking in.
lay	277	A short narrative or other poem, esp. one intended to be sung; a song.	In those last days the hobbits sat together in the evening in the Hall of Fire, and there among many tales they heard told in full the *lay* of Beren and Lúthien and the winning of the Great Jewel; but in the day, while Merry and Pippin were out and about,
league	163	A covenant or compact made between persons, parties, states, etc., for the maintenance or promotion of common interests or for mutual assistance or service.	Were these people all in *league* against him?
leagues	5	A measure of distance, varying at different periods and in different countries, in English - speaking countries usually estimated roughly at 3 miles.	Forty *leagues* it stretched from the Far Downs to the Brandywine Bridge, and fifty from the northern moors to the marshes in the south.
lee	393	Shelter; esp., the side or part that is sheltered or turned away from the wins.	We have found it, but it lies well back from the water-side here, and runs under the *lee* of a rock-wall, a furlong or more from the shore.
leech	548	A physician; to cure; heal.	It is an ill that no *leech* can wholly cure, not even Gandalf.'
leechcraft	524	The art of the leech or physician; medical science, skill, or treatment.	Your *leechcraft* ere long would have me walking on all fours like a beast.
liege	766	Owing allegiance and service, as a Feudal vassal to his lord; loyal; faithful.	'Now tell me your tale, my *liege*,' said Denethor, half kindly; half mockingly.
ling	656	The common heather, Calluna vulgaris.	Beyond it were slopes covered with sombre trees like dark clouds, but all about them lay a tumbled heathland, grown with *ling* and *broom* and *cornel*, and other shrubs that they did not know.
lithe	814	Bending readily, or pliant; esp., bending readily at the joints, limber, or supple; hence, agile or active.	Thus it came to pass that when the king set out, before Dernhelm sat Meriadoc the hobbit, and the great steed Windfola made little of the burden; for Dernhelm was less in weight than many men, though *lithe* and *well-knit* in frame.
liveries	914	A distinctive dress worn by an official, a member of a company of guild, etc. any characteristic dress, garb or outward appearance.	Two *liveries* Sam noticed, one marked the Red Eyes, the other by a Moon disfigured with a ghastly face of death; but he did not stop to look more closely.
lo	368	An exclamation of surprise, greeting, etc. Also, Look! see! behold!	Then she let her hand fall, and the light faded, and suddenly she laughed again, and lo ! she was shrunken: a slender elf-woman, clad in simple white, whose gentle voice was soft and sad.
lolling	455	To hang loosely, or droopingly.	See text above for *flagging*.
loping	452	To hang loosely or limply; droop; also, to sway, move or go in a drooping or heavy, awkward way.	Then the whole company began to run with the long *loping* strides of Orcs.
lording	1025	A little lord, a petty lord, usually in a contemptuous sense	At first goods and damage was paid for by Pimple; but soon they began *lording* it around and taking what they wanted.
loth	247	Loath. To be hateful; also, to feel hatred, disgust, or intense aversion.	*Loth* was my father to give me leave, and long have I wandered by roads forgotten, seeking the house of Elrond, of which many have heard, but few knew where it lay.'
louver	516	A turret or lantern on the roof of a medieval building, to supply ventilation or light.	Through the *louver* in the roof, above the thin wisps of issuing smoke, the sky showed pale and blue.
manfully	887	Having or showing the spirit of a man; manly; brave; resolute.	he oars were now wielded by free men, and *manfully* they laboured; yet slowly we passed up the Great River, for we strove against its stream, and though that is not swift down in the South, we had no help of wind.
manger	771	A box or trough, as in a stable, from which horses or cattle eat also, eat.	Then they took their leave, seeing that the *manger* was well filled.
mantle	192	A loose, sleeveless cloak; hence, something that covers, envelops, or conceals.	Upon her mantle* and her sleeves,*
manuscript	31	Written by hand, (not printed). As opposed to typescript (typed).	He then went onto his study, and from a large strong-box took out a bundle wrapped in old cloths, and a leather-bound *manuscript*; and also a large bulky envelope.
mar	428	To hinder or interfere with; also to damage or impair.	A vain pursuit form its beginning, maybe, which no choice of mine can *mar* or mend.
mar	552	To damage or impair; disfigure; deface; spoil or ruin.	Maybe the men of this land are wise to say little: one family of busy dwarves with hammer and chisel might *mar* more than they made.'
marches	288	The distance covered in a single course of marching.	Even so it will take us more than two *marches* before we can reach the top of the pass.
marges	931	A margin.	Upon its outer *marges* under the westward mountains Mordor was a dying land, but it was not yet dead.
mattocks	1085	A kind of pick with an arm or blade like that of an adz, and commonly with another arm opposite either like a narrow ax-blade or terminating in a point.	Coming late and fresh to the field the mailed warriors of Náin, Grór's son, drove through the Orcs to the very threshold of Moria, crying 'Azog! Azog! ' as they hewed down with their *mattocks* all who stood in their way.
mayhap	268	Perhaps.	*Mayhap* the Sword-that-was-Broken may still *stem* the tide - if the hand that wields it has inherited not an heirloom only, but the *sinews* of the Kings of Men.'
mead	377	An alcoholic liquor made by fermenting a mixture of honey and water; also any of various non-alcoholic beverages.	Now Galadriel rose from the grass, and taking a cup from one of her maidens she filled it with white *mead* and gave it to Celeborn.
meads	384	A meadow.	Here and there through the openings Frodo could catch sudden glimpses of rolling *meads* , and far beyond them hills in the sunset, and away on the edge of sight a dark line, where marched the southernmost ranks of the Misty Mountains.
mere	254	A lake; a pond.	Lurking by a stagnant *mere*, peering in the water as the dark eve fell, I caught him, Gollum.
mere	770	Pure, unmixed; also, being nothing more or better than what is specified.	This visit shall be short, a *mere* call of courtesy, and we will go thence to the *butteries*.'
mess	775	A service or dish of food at a table or for a meal; also a number of persons eating together at a table; to eat in company, esp. as a member of a mess.	'You may join my *mess* for this day.
mew	342	A gull; esp., the common European gull, Larus Canus; the sea-mew.	As mew* upon the wing.*
midges	183	Any of numerous small or minute dipterous insects, esp. species of the family *Chironomidae* , certain of which are extremely troublesome on account of their bites; a gnat.	The flies began to torment them, and the air was full of clouds of tiny *midges* that crept up their sleeves and breeches and into their hair.
mires	625	A piece of wet, swampy ground.	There was running water at the bottom: it was in fact the bed of one of the many small rivers that trickled down form the hills to feed the stagnant pools and *mires* beyond.
mirk	831	Murk. Dark or with little light, as night; dim; obscure.	The plain was dark with their marching companies, and as far as eyes could strain in the *mirk* there sprouted, like a foul fungus-growth, all about the beleaguered city great camps of tents, black or sombre red.
mirth	133	Joy; delight.	But after a time their hearts and spirit rose high again, and their voices rang out in *mirth* and laughter.
mischances	970	Ill luck; a mishap or misfortune.	Though we should still have enough to do without them: the world is full enough of hurts and *mischances* without wars to multiply them.'
misgives	439	To give doubt or apprehension to; to cause to be apprehensive: said of one's mind, heart, etc.	I do not know how it will all end, and my heart *misgives* me; for it seems to me that his friends do not all dwell in Isengard.
mock	924	Being an imitation or having merely the semblance of something; counterfeit; sham; false; mimic; imitate; ridicule.	The Shadow that bred them can only mock, it cannot make: not real new things of its own.
mockery	489	Ridicule or derision; a derisive action or speech; something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting.	But Trolls are only counterfeits, made by the Enemy in the Great Darkness, in *mockery* of Ents, as Orcs were of Elves.
moonshine	44	Show without substance or reality; empty show; foolish talk, ideas, etc.; nonsense.	If that's where you get your news from, you'll never want for *moonshine*.
morrowless	195	Not subject to time; without end.	And woods of nightshade morrowless.
morsel	770	A bite, mouthful, or small portion of food, or the like; a bit or dish of food of specified character.	We rise ere the sun, and take a *morsel* in the grey light, and go to our duties at the opening hour.
mould	137	Loose, friable earth, esp. such as is rich in organic matter and favorable to the growth of plants.	When they caught a glimpse of the country westward the distant Forest seemed to be smoking, as if the fallen rain was steaming up again from leaf and root and *mould*.
muster	9	To assemble troops as for display, orders, discharge, etc.; to gather (forces, men, etc.) for service; enlist, enroll.	The Thain was the master of the Shire-moot, and captain of the Shire-*muster* and the Hobbitry-in-arms, but as muster and moot were only held in times of emergency, which no longer occurred, the Thainship had ceased to be more than a nominal dignity.
Nar	916	Slang or dialect for 'no.'	*Nar*!
neat as neat	936	Clear and free from deductions.	'Why, before I knew he was wanted I shot him, as *neat as neat*, at fifty paces right in the back; but he ran on.'
Necromancer	251	One who practices necromancy. The pretended art of divination through communication with the dead; the black art, hence, magic in general, enchantment, conjuration.	'Some here will remember that many years ago I myself dared to pass the doors of the *Necromancer* in Dol Guldur, and secretly explored his ways, and found thus that our fears were true: he was none other than Sauron, our Enemy of old, at length taking shap
neigh	159	To utter the cry of a horse; whinny. The cry of a horse.	They neigh* and champ their silver bits;*
nicety	269	Accuracy or precision. - *to a nicety*, to precisely the point or degree required; to perfection.	For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a *nicety* in the scales of his malice.
nick	243	A critical moment or point.	You have come and are here met, in this very *nick* of time, by chance as it may seem.
niggard	990	One excessively reluctant to give or spend; a parsimonious or stingy person.	'No *niggard* are you, Éomer,' said Aragorn, 'to give thus to Gondor the fairest thing in your realm!'
nigh	24	Near in space, time, or relation; also, nearly or almost.	A day or two later a rumour (probably started by the knowledgeable Sam) was spread about that there were going to be fireworks - fireworks, what is more, such as had not been seen in the Shire for *nigh* on a century, not indeed since the Old Took died.
nightshade	427	Probably simply "darkness." The literal use of this word appears to be unique to Tolkien - in historical English, it is only used figuratively as the name of a poisonous plant.	As *nightshade* was closing about them Aragorn halted.
nill	1074	Not to will, wish, or like; oppose or be unwilling.	There is now no ship that would bear me hence, and I must indeed abide by the Doom of Men, whether I will or I *nill*: the loss and the silence.
ninnyhammer	612	Same as ninny. A fool; simpleton.	See text above for *nowt*.
noisome	630	Annoying, unpleasant, objectionable (now rare); also, offensive or disgusting as to physical conditions, and often as to odor.	Mists curled and smoked from dark and *noisome* pools.
nonsense-words	118	A word which has no acceptable meaning.	Suddenly out of a long string of *nonsense-words* (or so they seemed) the voice rose up loud and clear and burst into this song:
nooks	38	A corner, as in a room; any small recess; a secluded or sheltered place.	A little later Frodo came out of the study to see how things were going on and found her still about the place, investigating *nooks* and corers and tapping the floors.
north-away	930	In the north.	It was used by patrols or by messengers going swiftly to lesser posts and strongholds *north-away*, between Cirith Ungol and the narrows of Isenmouthe, the iron jaws of Carach Angren.
nowt	612	A clumsy or stupid person.	You're *nowt* but a *ninnyhammer*, Sam Gamgee: that's what the Gaffer said to me often enough, it being a word of his.
nuncheon	770	A light refreshment taken between meals; a luncheon. Luncheon - a lump or thick piece, esp. of food.	Then there is the nuncheon, at noon or after duties allow; and men gather for the *daymeal*, and such mirth as there still may be, about the hour of sunset.
oast	758	A kiln for drying hops or malt.	See text above for *tilth*.
oft	192	Often; frequently.	He heard there oft* the flying sound*
onset	331	A beginning or start.	See text above for *wizened*.
onset	539	A setting or rushing upon; an assault or attack.	Their *onset* was fierce and sudden, and the Orcs gave way before them.
ostler	158	An innkeeper; also; one who cares for horses at an inn; any person who takes care of horses; a groom.	The *ostler* has a *tipsy* cat
overborne	903	Borne down by superior force or pressure; opposed	At Pippin's side Beregond was stunned and *overborne*, and he fell; and the great troll-chief that smote him down bent over him, reaching out a clutching claw; for these fell creatures would bite the throats of those that they threw down.
paces	91	A single step as in walking; a linear measure commonly 2 1/2 feet.	Frodo and Sam stopped dead, but Pippin walked on a few *paces*.
palfrey	985	An ordinary riding-horse, as distinguished from a war-horse.	First rode Elrohir and Elladan with a banner of silver, and then came Glorfindel and Erestor and all the household of Rivendell, and after them came the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien, riding upon white steeds and with them many fair folk
pall	709	Cloak, covering; to cover with or as with a pall.	There, far away, beyond sad Gondor now overwhelmed in the shade, the Sun was sinking, finding at last the hem of the great slow-rolling *pall* of cloud, and falling in an ominous fire towards the yet *unsullied* sea.
pallid	301	Pale; esp., unnaturally pale in complexion or hue.	Beyond the ominous water were reared vast cliffs, their stern faces *pallid* in the fading light: final and impassable.
panoply	234	A complete suit of armor, or full armor of a soldier.	In panoply* of ancient kings,*
parapet	535	A protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.	The Deeping Wall was twenty feet high, and so thick that four men could walk abreast along the top, sheltered by a *parapet* over which only a tall man could look.
pare	895	To cut off the outer coating, layer, or part of; also, to reduce by or as if by cutting or shaving.	The hideous orc-head that was set upon the carven figure was cast down and broken in pieces, and the old king's head was raised and set in its place once more, still crowned with white and golden flowers; and men laboured to wash and *pare* away all the fou
parley	544	To speak, talk, or confer; hold parley with an opponent; specif., to hold an informal conference with an enemy, under a truce, as between active hostilities.	Then he raised his empty hand, palm outward in token of *parley.*
pate	170	The head; esp., the crown or top of the head; also, the head as the seat of intellect; hence, brains; sometimes a person with brains. Now usually humorous.	Even our Nob has been doing some guessing in his slow *pate;* and there are others in Bree quicker in the uptake than he is.'
peal	927	Appeal, as if meaning originally a summons or call by bell-ringing. A loud, prolonged sound of bells, etc; a series of changes rung on a set of bells; to sound forth in a peal; to assail with loud sounds.	Suddenly its harsh bell clanged again, and then broke into a shattering *peal*.
pelting	91	To beat the ground with rapid steps; to move at a vigorous and rapid pace - running at a high speed.	The gate opened and three huge dogs came *pelting* out into the lane, and dashed towards the travellers, barking fiercely.
pen-forms	1126	The shape of hand-written letters, esp. those influenced by the writing instrument or the way it is used.	As with their speech the Dwarves made use of such scripts as were current and many wrote the Fëanorian letters skilfully; but for their own tongue they adhered to the Cirth, and developed written *pen-forms* from them.
pent	396	Penned or shut in or up; closely confined.	The *pent* waters spread out into a long oval lake, pale Nen Hithoel, fenced by steep grey hills whose sides were clad with trees, but their heads were bare, cold-gleaming in the sunlight.
penthouse	125	A shed with a sloping roof, or a sloping roof, projecting from a wall or the side of a building; as to shelter a door; any roof like shelter or overhanging part.	They came to a low room with a sloping roof (a *penthouse*, it seemed, built on to the north end of the house).
perforce	1073	By force or violence; also, by force of necessity, or of necessity.	"For if I will not go now, then I must soon go *perforce*.
perilous	3	Full of or attended with peril; hazardous, dangerous, risky; exposure to injury.	Why they later undertook the hard and *perilous* crossing of the mountains into Eriador is no longer certain.
perils	58	Trial, risk, danger; exposure to injury, loss, or destruction.	My friend returned out of the great *perils* bringing the miserable creature with him.
pertness	761	Open or unconcealed; also, bold, forward, or impertinent in a smart or flippant way; also, smart or clever.	This is no time for hobbit *pertness*.
phalanx	27	A compact or closely massed body of persons, animals, or things.	There were fountains of butterflies that flew glittering into the trees; there were pillars of coloured fires that rose and turned into eagles, or sailing ships, or a *phalanx* of flying swans; there was a red thunderstorm and a shower of yellow rain; there
phial	379	Same as vial. A small vessel for liquids. As one of glass; now, esp., a small glass bottle for holding medicines or the like. Also, a store or accumulation (of wrath, indignation, etc.) poured out upon an offender, victim, or other object (from the seven	She held up a small crystal *phial*: it glittered as she moved it, and rays of white light sprang from her hand.
pickets	445	A pointed post stake, pale or peg; for driving into the ground to fasten something to.	They dragged their *pickets* and disappeared.
pinion	650	The distal or terminal segment of a bird's wing; hence, the wing of a bird, or the flight feathers collectively. Poetic.	They were very small to look at, yet as he knew, somehow, that they were huge, with a vast stretch of *pinion*, flying at a great height.
plaits	667	A braid, as of hair or straw.	His scarlet robes were tattered, his corslet of overlapping brazen plates was rent and hewn, his black *plaits* of hair braided with gold and were drenched with blood.
plashing	386	To splash, or move with a splash, in water or the like, as oars, fish, etc.	I thought I heard some soft *plashing* and a sniffing noise, a while back; but you hear a lot of such queer sounds by a river at night.'
plighted	1072	Pledge or solemn engagement; to give in pledge; often to pledge (one's troth) in engagement to marry; also, to bind by a pledge or engagement, now esp. of marriage.	After there upon that hill they looked east to the Shadow and west to the Twilight, and they *plighted* their *troth* and were glad.
plink	551	The sound or action of plinking; a sharp metallic noise.	And *plink*! a silver drop falls, and the round wrinkles in the glass make all the towers bend and waver like weeds and corals in a grotto of the sea.
plumes	128	A long streamer of smoke, vapor, or other fluid rising from a localized source in the same of different fluid and spreading out as it travels.	There was a fold or channel where the mist was broken into many *plumes* and billows ; the valley of the Withywindle.
policies	260	A definite course of action adopted as expedient or from other considerations; also, a specif. course or line of action adopted and pursued by a government or ruler.	Against it the old allies and *policies* will not avail us at all.
ponderous	310	Of great weight, or heavy.	See text above for *rending*.
portage	392	The act of carrying; carriage, esp., the carrying of boats, goods, etc. overland from one navigable water to another; a place or course over which this must be done.	No road was made by the Men of Gondor in this region, for even in their great days their realm did not reach up Anduin beyond the Emyn Muil; but there is a *portage*-way somewhere on the western shore, if I can find it.
portends	701	Point out, indicate. To indicate beforehand, or presage, as an omen does; betoken as impending; foreshadow; also, to forecast or foretell.	I do not know what this *portends*.
portents	65	An indication or omen of something about to happen, esp. something momentous or calamitous; a sign, esp. of coming evil; an ominous occurrence; also ominous significance.	Giants and other *portents* on the borders of the Shire were forgotten for more important matters: Mr. Frodo was selling Bag End, indeed he had already sold it - to the Sackville-Bagginses!
postern	537	A back door or gate, or any lesser or private entrance.	There was a small *postern* door that opened in an angle of the burg-wall on the west, where the cliff stretched out to meet it.
prays	883	To entreat (ask earnestly for) or beseech (a person, etc.) for something; make earnest petition to (a person, etc.) as to do something, or that something may be.	Yet there is need for the captains to hold council at once, and he *prays* that you and Éomer of Rohan will come down to his tents, as soon as may be.
prentice	24	An apprentice.	I'd not long come prentice to old Holman (him being my dad's cousin), but he had me up at Bag End helping him to keep folks from trampling and *trapessing* all over the garden while the sale was on.
presage	972	A presentiment or foreboding, or a prophetic impression; something that portends or fore-shadows a future event;	She did not answer, but as he looked at her it seemed to him that in her something softened, as though a bitter frost were yielding at the first *presage* of Spring.
press	165	To bear upon; subject to pressure; to urge or insist on; make earnest request for.	Why did he *press* us to join the company?
press	538	To force into service, esp. naval or military service; impress; to crowd upon or throng.	Already a great *press* of Orcs and Men were gathering again beyond the stream.
proffered	527	To put before a person for acceptance.	Théoden drank from the cup, and she then *proffered* it to the guests.
profound	61	Deep or great depth; extending, situated, or originating far down, or far beneath the surface.	Frodo gazed fixedly at the red embers on the hearth, until they filled all his vision, and he seemed to be looking down into *profound* wells of fire.
provender	28	food or provisions (of food for human beings, now humorous), as opposed to "fodder" - animal feed.	Bringing up young Hobbits took a lot of provender.
puissant	976	Powerful; mighty; potent; of dominating authority or influence.	Because he was high and puissant, and you wished to have renown and glory and to be lifted far above the mean things that crawl on the earth.
put this up	96	To place in a receptacle for safe keeping; to stow away; to put into a bag, pocket, box, or the like; to lay aside out of use, put by (somewhat arch.); to lay up in store, lay by for future use (now rare or obs.); to pack up, do up, make up into a parcel,	. 'Mrs. Maggot *put this up* for Mr. Baggins, with her compliments.'
pyre	834	A pile or heap of wood or other combustible material; esp. such a pile for burning a dead body; a funeral pile.	I will now go to my *pyre*.
quail	540	To decline in strength or vigor, wither, or fade, as living beings, plants, etc; to become faint or feeble.	But these creatures of Isengard, these half-orcs and goblin-men that the foul craft of Saruman has bred, they will not *quail* at the sun,' said Gamling.
quailed	215	To decline in strength or vigor, wither, or fade, as living beings, plants, etc; to become faint or feeble.	There were Nine Riders at the water's edge below, and Frodo's spirit *quailed* before the threat of their uplifted faces.
quarter	859	Mercy or indulgence shown to a vanquished enemy in sparing his life and accepting his surrender.	Hard fighting and long labour they had still; for the Southrons were bold men and grim, and fierce in despair; and the Easterlings were strong and war-hardened and asked for no *quarter*.
quays	758	An artificial landing place, as of masonry, built along navigable water, for the use of vessels arriving, unloading or loading cargo, etc.	There Anduin, going in a wide knee about the hills of Emyn Arnen in South Ithilien, bent sharply west, and the out-wall rose upon its very brink; and beneath it lay *quays* and landings of the Harlond for the craft that came upstream from the southern *fiefs*
quick	929	Living; endowed with life; also, having some quality suggestive of a living thing; lively or keen, as feelings.	Sam's *quick* spirits sank again at once.
quickened	913	To become quick or living, to receive life; also, figurative, to come into a state comparable to life; come into activity; become more active, sensitive, etc; sometimes to grow bright or brighter.	Its white light *quickened* swiftly, and the shadows under the dark arch fled.
rabble	455	A disorderly crowd or assemblage of persons, esp. of a low, rough, or turbulent kind; persons of a low class.	Get your *rabble* together!
racked	769	To strain or task in mental effort.	'But no more than a cup of wine and a white cake or two by the kindness of your lord; but he *racked* me for it with an hour of questions, and that is hungry work.'
raiment	192	Clothing; apparel; attire.	And in her raiment* glimmering.*
rampart	534	A broad elevation or mound of earth raised as a fortification about a place; also anything serving as a bulwark or defense.	'Not far ahead now lies Helm's Dike, an ancient trench and *rampart* scored across the coomb, two furlongs below Helm's Gate.
rank	558	Straight, slender, bold.	No trees grew there; but among the *rank* grasses could still be seen the burned and axe-hewn stumps of ancient groves.
rankle	591	Unpleasant feelings; thoughts, experiences, facts, etc; to keep up within the mind keen irritation or bitter resentment.	'Don't let it *rankle!*
ranks	330	A row, line, or series of things or persons.	The *ranks* of the orcs had opened, and they crowded away, as if they themselves were afraid.
rap	914	To knock smartly or lightly, esp. so as to make a noise.	There was no sound save the *rap* of his feet, which seemed to grow to an echoing noise, like the slapping of great hands upon the stones.
rashers	565	In cookery, a thin slice of bacon or ham for frying or boiling.	Or I can cut you some *rashers* of bacon and broil them, if you like.
ravening	5	To seize as spoil (goods, property, territory, etc., seized by force) or prey (that which is taken in war, or by pillage or violence; booty, spoil, plunder); also; to seek plunder or prey.	Even the weathers had grown milder, and the wolves that had once come *ravening* out of the North in bitter white winters were now only a grandfather's tale.
rearguard	281	A part of an army detached from the main body to bring up and guard the rear, esp. in a retreat.	The others were in file behind, and Legolas whose eyes were keen was the *rearguard*.
recreant	865	Yielding in combat, or acknowledging defeat; cowardly or craven; also one who proves unfaithful or false; a traitor.	'Come, it you are not all *recreant*!'
rede	432	To counsel or advise; also to explain or interpret; also to relate or tell; a plan, design, or scheme.	*Rede* oft is found at the rising of the Sun.'
redress	585	To set right (anything wrong or distressing); right, remedy, or repair (wrongs, injuries, injustice, etc.) deal with (grievance, etc.) so as to give relief.	For the common good I am willing to *redress* the past, and to receive you.
reek	404	A strong, unpleasant smell.	Mount Doom was burning, and a great *reek* rising.
reeks	632	Smoke, vapor or steam emitted or exhaled, issue, rise.	It was already day, a windless and sullen morning, and the marsh-*reeks* lay in heavy banks.
reeled	546	To sway, swing, or rock under a blow; shock or any great stress; sway about unsteadily in standing or walking, as from dizziness, intoxication, faintness.	The Orcs *reeled* and screamed and cast aside both sword and spear.
remitted	980	To pardon or forgive; also, to refrain from inflicting or enforcing, as punishment, sentence, etc.; also, to set free, release, or liberate.	'All penalty is *remitted* for your valour in battle, and still more because all that you did was for the love of the Lord Faramir.
remonstrance	585	Demonstration or manifestation; also, representation or statement of facts or circumstances; a formal statement of matters of public importance, esp. by way of protest, presented to a ruler, government, or the like; the act of remonstrating.	They heard the gentle *remonstrance* of a kindly king with an *erring* but much-loved minister.
render	518	To give back or restore.	I guess that it is likely to turn out the same once more: you will seek aid rather than *render* it.
rending	310	To separate into parts with force or violence; tear.	A noise of *rending* and crashing came dully through the *ponderous* stone.
rent	176	An opening made by rending or tearing; a tear, as in a garment; a split, break, or fissure.	It *rent* the night like fire on a hill-top.
respite	50	Temporary cessation of labour, suffering, war, etc.; (an) interval of rest.	Always after a defeat and a *respite*, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again.'
rick	534	A stack of hay, straw, or the like, esp., one regularly built and thatched or covered for protection from rain.	'They bring fire,' said Théoden, 'and they are burning as they come, *rick,* cot, and tree.
rills	115	A small stream; a brook; a rivulet.	Here and there it passed over other *rills*, running down gullies into the Withywindle out of the higher forest-lands, and at these points there were tree-trunks or bundles of brushwood laid carefully across.
riven	539	Rent or split asunder. Rent: see rent. Asunder: In a sundered state; apart; in pieces.	All their arrows were spent, and every shaft was shot; their swords were notched, and their shields were *riven.*
rout	179	To bring or get in poking about, searching, etc.; to fetch or get from a place, by vigorous action.	I'll *rout* out Bob and send him round as soon as may be.'
rout	828	Dispersal or flight of a defeated armed or opposing force in complete disorder (As, to put in army to rout; defeat ending in rout; a defeat attended with disorderly flight).	Yet he is resolved to stay with the rearguard, lest the retreat over the Pelennor become a *rout*.
routed	5	Dispersal or flight of a defeated armed or opposing force in complete disorder (as, to put in army to rout; defeat ending in rout; a defeat attended with disorderly flight).	The last battle, before this story opens, and indeed the only one that had ever been fought within the borders of the Shire, was beyond living memory: the Battle of Greenfields, S.R. 1147, in which Bandobras Took *routed* an invasion of Orcs.
routed	658	To root, as swine; hence, to poke, search, or rummage. To bring or get out in poking about, searching, etc.	He hurried back to his companions, but he said nothing: the bones were best left in peace and not pawed and *routed* by Gollum.
rude	658	Raw, rough, uncultivated; without artistic elegance, or a primitive crudeness or simplicity.	See text above for *wantonly*.
rue	255	To make sorrowful; or grieve; make repentant or sorry; affect with pity or compassion.	We shall all *rue* it bitterly, I fear.
ruffianly	1003	Having the character of a ruffian; a rough, lawless fellow; a brutal bully.	'We won't stay for news out here in the cold and wet, a *ruffianly* evening.
sable	536	Black; very dark.	For a staring moment the watchers on the walls saw all the space between them and the Dike lit with white light: it was boiling and crawling with black shapes, some squat and broad, some tall and grim, with high helms and *sable* shields.
sallow	181	Of as yellowish hue or complexion (rather than the normal healthy or ruddy color).	In one of the windows he caught a glimpse of a *sallow* face with sly, slanting eyes; but it vanished at once.
salver	766	A tray, as for serving dishes or presenting letters or cards.	Then men came bearing a chair and a low stool, and one brought a *salver* with a silver *flagon* and cups, and white cakes.
saw	845	A speech; a discourse; also, a decree; now a sententious saying, a maxim, or a proverb.	'And mayhap in this time shall the old *saw* be proved truer that ever before since men spoke with mouth.'
saxifrages	657	Any of the plants, mostly perennial herbs, constituting the genus Saxifraga, many of which grow wild in the clefts of rocks, others being cultivated for their flowers; also, any of various related or similar plants.	See text above for *grots*.
schemed	995	A plan of action devised in order to attain some end.	And as for the Lady here, I do not trust her: she has always hated me, and *schemed* for your part.
scimitars	322	Simitar. A short, curved, single-edged sword used by the Turks, Persians, etc.	Some of the swords were crooked: orc-*scimitars* with blackened blades.
scintillating	27	To emit sparks; sparkle, flash.	There were rockets like a flight of *scintillating* birds singing with sweet voices.
score	30	A notch, groove, cut, or scratch; esp. a notch, cut or mark made in keeping an account or record; hence, a reckoning or account; a total	Together we score* one hundred and forty-four.*
score	307	Icelandic skor, notch, incision, tally (notched for each twenty), hence twenty; also a group or set of twenty. 10 score = 200.	I can still remember ten *score* of them without searching in my mind.
scored	118	To produce by cutting, marking, etc. as marks, or figures; also to make notches, cuts, marks, or lines on something.	Little fingers of fire licked against the dry *scored* rind of the ancient tree and scorched it.
scrabbling	346	To scratch or scrape about, as with the claws or hands.	Then he heard faintly a sound like sniffing: and something seemed to be *scrabbling* on the bark of the tree-trunk.
screes	932	A steep mass of detritus on the side of a mountain.	They did not know the time, nor how long they had slept; but after a morsel of food and a sip of water they went on up the ravine, until it ended in a sharp slope of *screes* and sliding stones.
screws	406	To put compulsion on.	If he *screws* himself up to go, he'll want to go alone.
scythe	729	An agricultural implement consisting of a long, curving blade fastened at an angle to a handle, for mowing grass, etc., by hand	See text above for *shore*.
sedge	509	Any of various rush-like or grass-like plants constituting the cyperaceous genus Carex, growing in wet places.	They came upon many hidden pools, and broad acres of *sedge* waving above wet and treacherous bogs; but Shadowfax found the way, and the other horses followed in his *swath*.
serried	960	Crowded closely together, or in close orders, as ranks or files of armed men.	Out from the beleaguered hills knights of Gondor, Riders of Rohan, Dúnedain of the North, close- *serried* companies, drove against their wavering foes, piercing the press with the thrust of bitter spears.
set-to	1005	A pugilistic (one who fights with fists; a boxer) encounter; hence, in general, a fight; a vigorous altercation or dispute; a smart contest or bout of any kind.	Why, we had a real *set-to*, and there were some folk killed, killed dead!
shade	77	A specter, phantom, or ghost, the spirit of one dead.	It looked like the black *shade* of a horse led by a smaller black shadow.
shanks	156	That part of the leg in man between the knee and the ankle. The legs in general.	Goes about at a great pace on his long *shanks*; though he don't tell nobody what cause he has to hurry.
shelving	333	To slope gradually.	See text above for *sward*.
shingle	389	Small, water-worn stones or pebbles such as lie in loose sheets or beds on the seashore.	Sam thought he could glimpse black figures running to and fro upon the long *shingle* -banks that lay under the eastern shore.
shivered	850	To break or split into fragments or splinters; shatter.	Right through the press drove Théoden Thengel's son, and his spear was *shivered* as he drew down their chieftain.
shoals	384	Of little depth, as water; shallow; also, a sand-bank or sand-bar in the bed of a body of water, esp. one which shows at low water.	Soon the River broadened and grew more shallow; long stony beaches lay upon the east, and there were gravel-*shoals* in the water, so that careful steering was needed.
shod	426	Preterit and past participle of shoe.	More swiftly, maybe, than iron-*shod* Orcs.
shore	729	Archaic preterit of shear.	The blue-gleaming blade *shore* through them like a *scythe* through grass, and they leaped and writhed and then hung loose.
shorn	234	Cut, carved, made of.	his arrows *shorn* of ebony,
shun	658	To shrink in horror or loathing, or abhor; hence, to keep away from.	A good day for strolling on their way along the groves and glades of Ithilien; but though Orcs may *shun* the sunlight, there were too many places here where they could lie hid and watch; and other evil eyes were abroad: Sauron had many servants.
sinews	268	Figurative, that which supplies strength or sustains the activities of anything.	See text above for *mayhap*.
sinews	854	A tendon; also, a nerve; figurative, that which supplies strength or sustains the activities of anything.	No other blade, not through mightier hands wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen *sinews* to his will.
sires	131	A father or forefather.	When they caught his words again they found that he had now wandered into strange regions beyond their memory and beyond their waking thought, into times when the world was wider, and the seas flowed straight to the western shore; and still on and back To
sister-son	522	Nephew.	Take back your sword, Éomer, *sister-son*!' said the king.
skulking	544	To move or go in a mean, stealthy manner, as from fear, cowardice, or shame, or with some evil purpose; also, to lie or keep in hiding, as for some discreditable reason or evil purpose; lurk; also, to shelter one's self or take refuge in a cowardly manner	Bring out your *skulking* king!'
slavering	455	To let saliva run from the mouth; slobber; drivel. Wet or smear with saliva; fig., to fondle or smear in a disgusting manner.	Don't stand *slavering* there!
slinker	608	One who slinks about; a shirker.	But perhaps we've shaken him off at last, the miserable *slinker*.
sloe	76	The small, sour, blackish fruit (drupe) of the blackthorn, or the shrub itself.	Apple, thorn, and nut, and sloe,
slot	90	The track or trail of a deer or other animal, as shown by the marks of the feet; hence the track, trace, or trail of anything	'One trouble after another!' said Frodo, looking nearly as much alarmed as if Pippin had declared the lane was the *slot* leading to a dragon's den.
sloth	970	Laziness; also, self-indulgent inactivity or idleness.	'Sir', she said, 'I am in a great unrest, and I cannot lie longer in *sloth*.'
slowcoach	1004	One who is slow in moving, acting, working, thinking, etc. one deficient in quickness, energy, briskness, etc.	Hey, Nob you *slowcoach*!
sluggard	108	One who is habitually inactive or slothful.	Wake that *sluggard* Fatty!
slunk	555	Preterit and past participle of slink. To creep or go quietly or stealthily; to go in a furtive, abject manner, as from fear, cowardice, or shame.	They rode down to the river, and as they came the wolves ceased their howling and *slunk* away.
smithying	667	To make or forge in or as in a smithy; to work as a smith.	`It sounds like a hundred blacksmiths all *smithying* together,' said Sam to Frodo.
smote	120	Preterit of smite. To strike or hit hard, as with the hand, a stick or weapon, etc., or as the hand or a weapon does.	Tom sprang away, and breaking off a hanging branch *smote* the side of the willow with it.
snick	117	To cause to make a clicking sound; snap. To make a slight sharp sound.	One was a splash of something heavy falling into the water; the other was a noise like the *snick* of a lock when a door quietly closes fast.
snivelling	696	To run at the nose; also, to draw up mucus audibly through the nose; to affect a tearful state; whine.
snuffling	77	To draw air into the nose for the purpose of smelling something. To inhale, perceive by snuffling; examine by smelling.	Frodo thought he heard the sound of *snuffling*.
sonorous	801	A deep, resonant sound; rich and full of sound.	But most of the time, especially on his last day, Merry had ridden by himself just behind the king, saying nothing, and trying to understand the slow *sonorous* speech of Rohan that he heard the men behind him using.
sooth	517	Real, true; also in accordance with truth.	But news from afar is seldom *sooth.*
sortie	460	A sally of troops from a besieged place to attack the besiegers. Sally: a sudden rushing forth, esp. a sortie of troops from a besieged place upon an enemy.	The Riders were drawing in their ring close round the knoll, risking the orc-arrows, so as to prevent any *sortie,* while a company rode off to deal with the newcomers.
spars	561	A piece of timber of considerable length in proportion to its thickness; a stout pole.	See text above for *cauldron*.
spinney	108	A thicket; a small wood with undergrowth, esp. one preserved for sheltering game-birds	Merry went in front leading a laden pony, and took his way along a path that went through a *spinney* behind the house, and then cut across several fields.
spite	734	Contempt; or scorn; also, keen, ill-natured desire to humiliate, annoy or injure another; malice, venomous.	But this time, led misled by *spite*, he had mad the mistake of speaking and gloating before he had both hands on his victim's neck.
spitted	459	To thrust a spit into or through; hence, to pierce, stab, or transfix as with a spit; impale on something sharp.	At last Merry stirred and whispered softly: 'So far so good; but how are we to avoid being *spitted*?'
splayed	443	Spread out; wide and flat; turned outward; fig. clumsy or awkward; oblique or awry.	A little way beyond the battle-field they made their camp under a spreading tree: it looked like a chestnut, and yet it still bore many broad brown leaves of a former year, like dry hands with long *splayed* fingers; they rattled mournfully in the night-bre
spoil	913	To strip (a defeated or fallen enemy, etc.) of arms, armour, or the like; strip of goods, of valuables, etc. by force, as in war.	Almost certainly they were quarreling about Frodo, and the *spoil*.
spoiling	770	To be suffering from want of or desire for.	'He looks as if he were *spoiling* for a race, and not newly come from a great journey,' said Beregond.
squib	25	A firework consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder which burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion; firecracker broken in the middle so that when lighted it burns with a hissing noise.	When the old man, helped by Bilbo and some Dwarves, had finished unloading, Bilbo gave a few pennies away; but not a single *squib* or *cracker* was forthcoming, to the disappointment of the onlookers.
staggered	318	To shock or render helpless with amazement or the like.	He felt *staggered* to think that he had been walking about with the price of the Shire under his jacket.
stalwart	249	Strongly and stoutly build, as persons or animals, the bodily form, etc.	'If Gondor has been a *stalwart* tower, we have played another part.
starting	818	Making sudden movements, similar to startling or flinching.	Pippin cowered down with his hands pressed to his ears; but Beregond, who had been looking out from the battlement as he spoke of Faramir, remained there, stiffened, staring out with *starting* eyes.
staunched	875	Stanch. To stop the flow of liquid, esp. blood from a wound.	'I drew it forth,' said Imrahil, 'and *staunched* the wound.
staves	701	A stick, rod, pole, or the like.	The hobbit's packs were brought to them (a little heavier than they had been), and also two stout *staves* of polished wood, shod with iron, and with carven heads through which ran palited leathern thongs.
staves	790	A verse or stanza of a poem or song.	'Dark ways, doubtless,' said Gimli, 'but no darker than these *staves* are to me.'
stayed	376	Stay - To stop or halt; cease or desist; pause or wait; as for a moment, before proceeding or continuing.	Aragorn *stayed* his boat as the Swan-ship drew alongside.
stead	677	The proper or appointed place of a person or thing; hence, the place or room of a person or thing as occupied by a successor or substitute.	For we reckon back our line to Mardil, the good steward, who ruled in the king's *stead* when he went away to war.
steeds	212	A stud-horse or stallion; a high spirited horse; in general, a horse, esp. one for riding. ' In ME. and early mod. Eng., a high-mettled horse used on state occasions, in war, or in the lists; a great horse, as distinguished from a palfrey.	His pace is light and smooth; and if danger presses too near, he will bear you away with a speed that even the black *steeds* of the enemy cannot rival.'
stem	268	Resistance, opposition; a check.	See text above for *mayhap*.
still	684	Remaining in place or at rest; motionless, stationary.	'Death was ever present, because the Númenoreans *still*, as they had in their old kingdom, and so lost it, hungered after endless life unchanging.
stinted	946	To cut short, discontinue, or cease (one's own action); also, to check, stop, or restrain from further action.	He had *stinted* himself, and in his parched mouth his tongue seemed thick and swollen; but for all his care they now had very little left, perhaps half his bottle, and maybe there were still days to go.
stirrup-cup	990	A cup of wine or other liquor presented to a rider already mounted for departure; a cup or drink at parting.	Now the guests were ready, and they drank the *stirrup-cup*, and with great praise and friendship they departed, and came at length to Helm's Deep, and there they rested two days.
stock	574	The trunk or the stump of a tree left standing; a log or block of wood.	Wood and water, *stock* and stone, I can master; but there is a Wizard to manage here."
stonecrops	657	A moss-like crassulaceous herb, a species of sedum, Sedum acre, with small, fleshy leaves and yellow flowers, frequently growing upon rocks and walls; any plant of the genus Sedum; any of various plants of related genera.	See text above for *grots*.
stooping	829	To come down from a height; swoop down, as a hawk at prey.	And with a piercing cry out of the dim sky fell the winged shadows, the Nazgûl *stooping* to the kill.
stores	105	The supply or stock of necessities stored up, as for future use; supplies of food, clothing, etc; a supply of anything.	There are six ponies in a stable across the fields; *stores* and *tackle* are all packed, except for a few extra clothes, and the perishable food.'
storied	277	Ornamented with designs representing historical, legendary, or similar subjects, by means of painting, sculpture, needlework, or other art.	Aragorn and Gandalf walked together or sat speaking of their road and the perils they would meet; and they pondered the *storied* and *figured* maps and books of lore that were in the house of Elrond.
straightway	848	Straight away - right away, immediately.	And *straightway* all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains.
straitened	1075	Confined in a narrow place; having too little room.	But in the days of Léod, father of Eorl, they had grown to be a numerous people and were again somewhat *straitened* in the land of their home.
strand	375	The land bordering the sea or ocean, or, formerly, a river.	And by the strand* of Ilmarin there grew a golden Tree.*
stratagems	957	A piece of generalship; an artifice in war; a plan, scheme, or trick for deceiving the enemy.	From all his policies and webs of fear and treachery, from all his *stratagems* and wars his mind shook free; and throughout his realm a tremor ran, his slaves quailed, and his armies halted, and his captains suddenly steerless, bereft of will, wavered and
subjection	1048	The act of subjecting, or the state or fact of being subjected (being under the dominion, rule, or authority, as of a sovereign, or lord, a conqueror).	At first the Númenoreans had come to Middle-earth as teachers and friends of lesser Men afflicted by Sauron; but now their havens became fortresses, holding wide coastlands in *subjection*.
succour	855	British preferred form of succor; to run under; run to aid; help; to help or relieve in difficulty, want or distress; to furnish with military assistance; auxiliary forces; reinforcements.	But the horseman rode eastward to the *succour* of Éomer: Húrin the Tall, Warden of the Keys, and the Lord of Lossarnach, and Hirluin of the Green Hills, and Prince Imrahil the fair with his knights all about him.
sue	901	To make petition or appeal to.	If you *sue* for his clemency you must first do his bidding.
sullen	202	Solitary.	Here Strider turned aside, and soon they were lost in a sombre country of dark trees winding among the feet of *sullen* hills.
sump	638	A swamp, bog, or muddy pool (now provincial English); also, a pit, well, or the like in which water or other liquid is collected.	It was cold and dead, and a foul *sump* of oily many-coloured ooze lay at its bottom.
sundered	344	Separate; the state of being put asunder, separated, parted, to become separated.	Even our own kindred are in the North are *sundered* from us.
sup	75	A small quantity of liquid such as can be taken into the mouth at one time; a mouthful; a sip. A bite and a sup - a phrase meaning a little food and drink.	I should like a bite and a *sup*, but somehow I think we had better move on from here.
surcoat	816	An outer coat or garment; specifically, such a garment worn by medieval knights over their armor, and often embroidered with heraldic arms.	Above the mail was a short surcoat of black, but broidered on the breast in silver with the token of the Tree.
surety	504	The state or quality of being sure; certainty; that which makes sure; guarantee.	War is upon us and all our friends, a war in which only the use of the Ring could give us *surety* of victory.
surlily	916	Lordly, arrogant, or domineering; hence churlishly rude or ill-humored or in the manner, tone, expression, etc. Uncivil or morose.	'They won't come, not before you're dead anyway,' answered Snaga *surlily*.
swag	916	Plunder or booty.	I've fought for the Tower against those stinking Morgul-rats, but a nice mess you two precious captains have made of things, fighting over the *swag*.'
Swagger	1018	To walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air, or with an obtrusive affection of superiority; behave in an arrogant or vainglorious way.	*Swagger* it, swagger it, my little cock-a-whoop.
sward	333	A stretch of turf.	About it lay a smooth *sward, shelving* down on all sides to its bare unbroken rim.
swart	326	Of a swart or blackish in color or hue, dark colored esp. as in skin, complexion.	His broad flat face was *swart*, his eyes were like coals, and his tongue was red; he wielded a great spear.
swarthy	166	Of a swart or blackish in color or hue, dark colored esp. as in skin, complexion.	You must have noticed him among the company: a *swarthy* sneering fellow.
swath	426	The space covered by the stroke of a scythe; the cut of a mowing-machine; the piece or strip so cut; hence, a strip, belt, or long and relatively narrow extent of anything.	Nearly due west the broad *swath* of the marching Orcs tramped its ugly slot; the sweet grass of Rohan had been bruised and blackened as they passed.
swath	509	The space covered by the stroke of a scythe; the cut of a mowing-machine; the piece or strip so cut; hence, a strip, belt, or long and relatively narrow extent of anything.	See text above for *sedge*.
swathed	96	To wrap up closely or fully; to wrap with swathes of some material; to infold or envelop, as wrappings.	He was riding a pony, and a scarf was *swathed* round his neck and over his chin to keep out the fog.
swooned	197	Faint; loose consciousness as from physical weakness.	Even as he *swooned* he caught, as through a swirling mist, a glimpse of Strider leaping out of the darkness with a flaming brand of wood in either hand.
sword-thain	786	A military attendant, follower or retainer; a soldier.	Is there gear of war in this place, Éomer, that my *sword-thain* could use?'


	Copyright © 2004-2010 by Oliver Loo