crouch - To adopt a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down, sometimes to avoid detection or to defend oneself
pesky - Causing trouble; annoying
stark - A difference that is extremely apparent when two things are compared with each other
frantic - Wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion
epitome - Highest example of a certain quality
ingenuity - The quality of being clever, original, and inventive
rebel - A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler
finagle - To get something in an indirect or dishonest way.
poise - Graceful and elegant bearing in a person
jest - Speak or act in a joking manner
fondle - To stroke or caress in a loving way.
nasty - Highly unpleasant, especially to the senses; physically nauseating