“Rip Van Winkle” Vocabulary

husking Rip was on his way to the local husking bee to prepare his neighbor’s corn.

husking removing outer covering from corn

landlord The landlord who ran the tavern stopped to ask Rip a favor.

landlord person who runs an inn

keg He wanted Rip to help him lift a large, wooden keg into his cart.

keg small barrel, which can hold about 10 gallons of liquid

oblige Rip was happy to oblige, and he hoisted the keg over his head.

oblige do a favor or service for someone

rascal The landlord said the merchant who sold him the keg was a rascal because he disappeared.

rascal mischievous or dishonest person

sprawled Rip climbed up into the landlord’s horse-drawn cart and sprawled out comfortably on the seat.

sprawled sat in a relaxed position with arms and legs spread out