bristled (to bristle): describes hair or fur that is standing up stiffly on end (to bristle is also to show irritation)

butt: the end of a gunstock; the part that rests on the shoulder when a gun is mounted


carcass: the dead body of an animal, such as a deer, cow, or pig, that will be used for food

castration: the removal of the sex organs, making an animal incapable of reproduction

cattail: a very tall, grass-like plant common to freshwater wetland

colour-coded: identified using colours to indicate value or meaning

crooked: bent in an angular way, asymmetrical


ducks (to duck): to lower the head or body


linoleum: a floor covering commonly found in kitchens, work, or commercial spaces


paces (to pace): to walk slowly and evenly; people pace when they are nervous or waiting for something to happen

pelt: the skin of an animal, such as a deer, beaver, or bear

probing (to probe): to pass into or through something else, often by overcoming resistance; you may enquire or probe into a situation


quilt: a blanket stitched together from variously shaped and coloured materials, often used on top of a bed for warmth or decorative purposes


scars: permanent marks on the skin from physical wounds or medical operations

spindly: slender, long, and suggestive of weakness

squints (to squint): to look with the eyes partly closed; you squint in bright sunlight or in an attempt to see something clearly

stagnant water: motionless water that provides an environment for bacteria to grow

stubble: short stiff hair on a man’s face


trunk: the main stem of a tree, from which the branches grow

tufts: bunches of grass, feathers, or hair gathered and held together at the base


whorls: the circular growth of human hair, animal fur, or plant material