Carbide
a chemical compound used as a coating
Grumbling
a protest made in a quiet voice
Undermining
an action which lessens the quality or effectiveness of someone or something
Dirge
a song which is performed at a funeral
Ditties
a series of short songs
Hoeing
to eat fast and eagerly
Pruning
cutting away the dead branches of a tree
Dispossess
to take away a person’s property
Flounder
to be confused or to be in great difficulty
Putative
commonly believed