Question: throng

Answer: a large gathering of people

Question: sloughed

Answer: any outer covering that can be shed or cast off (such as the cast-off skin of a snake)

Question: distended

Answer: swell from or as if from internal pressure

Question: serene

Answer: completely clear and fine

Question: flummoxed

Answer: be a mystery or bewildering to

Question: formidable

Answer: extremely impressive in strength or excellence

Question: engrossed

Answer: engage or engross wholly

Question: deposited

Answer: a partial payment made at the time of purchase

Question: vigilant

Answer: carefully observant or attentive

Question: subsided

Answer: wear off or die down

Question: obscuring

Answer: make obscure or unclear

Question: pronounced

Answer: an authoritative declaration

Question: archives

Answer: a depository containing historical records and documents

Question: unpalatable

Answer: the property of being unacceptable to the mouth

Question: contemplate

Answer: reflect deeply on a subject