The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Vocabulary List Chapters 10-12

a loud deep sound

There was a bellow of collective outrage.

strong and heavy : husky

Two burly mice came forward.

the quality or state of being respectful and considerate of others

"You love her with a courtly love, a love that is based on bravery and courtesy and honor and devotion."

a refusal to obey

He admired his own defiance.

deep love or loyalty

"You love her with a courtly love, a love that is based on bravery and courtesy and honor and devotion."

clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others

"It is simply not done!" came the distinctive voice of Despereaux's aunt Florence.

very bad and easily noticed

"First, we will give you a chance to defend yourself against these rumors of your egregious acts."

to accompany someone to protect or show courtesy

"We," said the bigger of the two mice, "will escort you to the dungeon."

to feel astonishment or wonder

Despereaux marveled at his own bravery.

to say (something) in a quiet and soft voice

"The thread, the thread, the thread," murmured the mice.

suggesting that something bad is going to happen in the future

Together, Lester and the drum produced an ominous sound.

to sit or rest on a raised seat or position

The fourteen members of the Mouse Council perched on the bricks above him.

to acknowledge regret for having done something wrong

"Repent. Say that you are sorry you sat at the foot of the human king."

to go to a place of privacy or safety

The thread master retreated.

highly valued and important : deserving great respect

"Do you, Despereaux Tilling, understand the sacred never-to-be-broken rules of conduct for being a mouse?"

to move very quickly and suddenly in a particular direction

The whole of the mouse community surged toward Despereaux.