Sentence Completion

To glean (v.) means to gather or collect slowly; to learn or discover bit by bit.

To discomfit (v.) means to make uneasy, disconcert; to cause to lose one’s composure; to break up or thwart the plans of, frustrate.

A quip (n.) is a sarcastic or cutting jest; a witty remark.

To maltreat (v.) means to treat poorly; abuse.

To brood (v.) is to be in deep thought, to think moodily or anxiously about something; to cover over, as with wings, in order to protect; to hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing, to loom; to be silent or sullen, sulk; to sit on or hatch eggs.

To encroach (v.) means to gradually or stealthily take the rights or possessions of another; to advance beyond proper or formal limits; trespass.

To haggle (v.) means to bargain, such as over a price, or dispute in a petty way; to wrangle.

Quixotic (adj.) means idealistic without regard for practicality.

Tremulous (adj.) means characterized by quivering or unsteadiness.