quandaries perplexing situations or positions; dilemmas.
wrought formed; fashioned.
erebus the underworld.
dispensation the ordering of events under divine authority.
scruple a feeling of hesitancy, doubt, or uneasiness arising from difficulty in deciding what is right, proper, ethical, etc.; qualm or misgiving about something one thinks is wrong.
copse a thicket of small trees or shrubs; coppice.
contentious always ready to argue; quarrelsome.
retinue a body of assistants, followers, or servants attending a person of rank or importance; train of attendants or retainers.
scabrous indecent, shocking, improper, scandalous, etc.
cowled wearing or having a cowl; hooded.
rills little brooks; rivulets.
spelt a primitive species of wheat with grains that do not thresh free of the chaff.
castigate to punish or rebuke severely, esp. by harsh public criticism.
supplication a humble request, prayer, petition, etc.
ilex holly.
bedew to make wet with or as if with drops of dew.
