The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Vocabulary
Washington Irving
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How often was he appalled by some shrub covered with snow, which, like a sheeted spectre, beset his very path!†6 more

All the stories of ghosts and goblins that he had heard in the afternoon now came crowding upon his recollection.3 more

His haunts are not confined to the valley, but extend at times to the adjacent roads, and especially to the vicinity of a church at no great distance.†3 more

That all this might not be too onerous on the purses of his rustic patrons, who are apt to consider the costs of schooling a grievous burden, and schoolmasters as mere drones, he had various ways of rendering himself both useful and agreeable.†5 more

the sky was clear and serene, and nature wore that rich and golden livery which we always associate with the idea of abundance.3 more

He was, moreover, esteemed by the women as a man of great erudition, for he had read several books quite through, and was a perfect master of Cotton Mather's "History of New England Witchcraft," in which, by the way, he most firmly and potently believed.†2 more

Ichabod, on the contrary, had to win his way to the heart of a country coquette, beset with a labyrinth of whims and caprices, which were forever presenting new difficulties and impediments; and he had to encounter a host of fearful adversaries of real flesh and blood, the numerous rustic admirers, who beset every portal to her heart, keeping a watchful and angry eye upon each other, but ready to fly out in the common cause against any new competitor.†2 more

Though the night was dark and dismal, yet the form of the unknown might now in some degree be ascertained.†3 more

Such was the formidable rival with whom Ichabod Crane had to contend,3 more

The dominant spirit, however, that haunts this enchanted region ... is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head.1 more

How often was he appalled by some shrub covered with snow, which, like a sheeted specter, beset his very path!3 more

Such was the formidable rival with whom Ichabod Crane had to contend,1 more

His heart began to sink within him; he endeavored to resume his psalm tune, but his parched tongue clove to the roof of his mouth, and he could not utter a stave.†2 more

The stories ... were called to mind; and when they had diligently considered them all ... they ... came to the conclusion1 more

She was withal a little of a coquette, as might be perceived even in her dress, which was a mixture of ancient and modern fashions, as most suited to set off her charms.†3 more

The pedagogue's mouth watered as he looked upon this sumptuous promise of luxurious winter fare.†1 more

This name was given, we are told, in former days, by the good housewives of the adjacent country, from the inveterate propensity of their husbands to linger about the village tavern on market days.†1 more

they fluttered, chirping and frolicking from bush to bush, and tree to tree, capricious from the very profusion and variety around them.1 more

His notable little wife ... had enough to do to attend to her housekeeping and manage her poultry; for, as she sagely observed, ducks and geese are foolish things, and must be looked after, but girls can take care of themselves.1 more

Still he must have had fire and mettle in his day, if we may judge from the name he bore of Gunpowder.†1 more