buckboard: An open buggy.
skun skinned: Here, meaning “bested” because of clever trading.
curried: A currycomb is a comb with metal teeth used to groom horses; a horse that has been combed is considered “curried.”
shell corn feed: Corn that has been removed from the cob.
cattymounts: Wild felines: mountain lions; short for “catamountains.” Here, the spotted horses are called “cattymounts” because of their wild behavior.
adder: A type of snake, usually with a zigzag black band running along its back; the Texan’s neck swelling like a “spreading adder” refers to the puff adder, a large and dangerous snake that “puffs” its body below the head when threatened.
holp: Helped.
frailed: Whipped.
water moccasin: A poisonous snake found in southern states, often around creeks and swamps.
melodeon: A small, musical organ.
pinwheel: A toy consisting of colored paper or plastic pinned to a stick so that it revolves when blown.
toted: Carried.
grip: A small piece of luggage about the size of a gym bag.
snag: A broken tree limb.
