Scorch – Verb
Definition: to burn a surface of so as to change its color and texture; to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat.
Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scorch
Found in: The Shawl by Louise Erdrich
Quote: “He jumped up and, although he was wearing only light clothing, he ran behind the wagon over the packed drifts. The horses picked up speed. His chest was scorched with pain, and yet he pushed himself on.” (2nd page 3rd line).
This is when the little boy was running the behind the wagon as her mom and sister were leaving him behind. By knowing this word, I now clearly understand how as the horses ran faster, he pushed himself to run faster even though his chest started to burn from all the running.
