scaffold a raised platform on which criminals are executed, as by hanging.
sharp clearly defined; distinct; clear. Here, the word means decisive.
silly season phrase used to describe unexplainable, but natural behavior for a child.
slovenly careless in appearance, habits, work, and so on; untidy; slipshod.
soft gentle; low; not loud or harsh: said of sound.
softness the quality of being easily impressed, influenced, or imposed upon; here, lax or negligent.
sportin' jesting; joking.
strongbox a heavily made box or safe for storing valuables.
tainted morally corrupt.
theocracy a government by a person or persons claiming to rule with divine authority.
tonnage weight in tons.
trafficked had traffic, trade, or dealings with.
truck the practice of bartering; [Informal] dealings (have no further truck with them). Here, also a verb, meaning to be in league with someone. For example Tituba denies trucking, or being in league with, the Devil.
