They told of good people who refused to take any money for helping strangers, even though they themselves were poor and near destitute. What does the word destitute mean in this sentence?

“She stays here one more night, then move her to the barn. You have the hunger?” he asked me. “Yes,” I answered. “I’m famished.” What does the word famished mean in this sentence?

“I commanded troops that sent redcoats running back across the ocean, and you suggest that I cannot care for this little snippet of a girl? I shall report your impudence to the president.” What does the word impudence mean in this sentence?

If you are determined to return home with your grandfather, then you must stay there until the fever abates. What does the word abates mean in this sentence?

Mrs. Bowles lowered her voice. “She is at a difficult age. She’s too old to be treated as a child, but not old enough to be released on her own. Her parents owned a small house. The trustees will sell that and use the money for her dowry….” What does the word dowry mean in this sentence?

“We’ve just come through a battle and you need time to recuperate.” What does the word recuperate mean in this sentence?

“They charge exorbitant prices for their wares, and get whatever they ask,” he said bitterly. What does the word exorbitant mean in this sentence?

A small child cowered in the corner, her blonde hair loose and tangled, her feet bare and black with dirt. What does the word cowered mean in this sentence?

As soon as I conceded defeat, Mother turned her attention to the most important issue - tea-drinking clothes. What does the word conceded mean in this sentence?