OED Reading Reflection

Look up the word in the OED and write about what you find out about the word. What are some of the word's uses, its history? How is it used in this passage? You will also need to read closely the paragraphs around the chosen passage to place it in context. What is this passage about, and how might what you found out about the word inform you about the meanings of this passage? How does this passage fit into the larger story?