Christmas Carol

Question 1

Rime

Answer 1

frost (= the thin, white layer of ice that forms when the air temperature is below the freezing point of water, especially outside at night):
There was a strong rime on all vegetation.
The windows were wet where the rime had melted.

Question 2

Wag

Answer 2

(especially of a tail or finger) to move from side to side or up and down, especially quickly and repeatedly, or to cause this to happen:
The little dog’s tail wagged in delight.
He wagged his finger sternly at the two boys.

Question 3

Humbug

Answer 3

Deceptive, or false talk

Question 4

Fain

Answer 4

willingly or happily:

I would fain forget what I had done.

Question 5

Fain

Answer 5

to feel with your hands, especially in order to find or move towards something when you cannot see easily:
She groped for her glasses on the bedside table.
I had to grope my way up the dark stairs.

Question 6

hither and thither

Answer 6

hither and thither

in various directions, especially in a disorganized way.

Question 7

Pinion

Answer 7

to hold someone, especially by the arms, to prevent them from moving:
He was pinioned to the wall by two men while another one repeatedly punched him.

Question 8

Compulsion

Answer 8

a very strong feeling of wanting to do something repeatedly that is difficult to control:
For many people, dieting is a compulsion.
[ + to infinitive ] I seem to have a constant compulsion to eat.