n. a fortress overlooking a city; a stronghold; a place of fortification.

Ex. In The Hobbit Bilbo Baggins adventures begin when he joins a group of dwarves in their quest to regain the mighty citadel Erebor from Smaug, a dragon who occupies that fortress.

n. a person sent on a mission to represent another's interest; an agent or messenger.

Ex. When The Hobbit opens, Bilbo is approached by Ghandalit the Gray, a wizard who is acting as an emmissary for the dwarves.

v. to attract; to tempt; to lure

Ex. It is not easy to entice a Hobbit to join an adventure. Hobbits much prefer the comforts of home.

v. to make filthy or dirty; to corrupt or damage a reputation.

Ex. On his joruney Bilbo encounters orcs. Orcs are nasty goblins who were created by Morgoth. Morgoth used his evil powers to defile innocent creatures.

v. to think quietly and deeply; to make a plan.

Ex. On this journey, Bilbo comes into the possession og a mysterious magical ring. Gandwell will meditate on the significane of the ring for many years.