(to be) cowed
to lose one's courage or resolve
vegetating
leading a passive existence without exertion of body or mind
(to be) galvanized
covered in a layer of zinc; metaphorically, to be shocked or excited.
luxuriate
to enjoy oneself in a luxurious way
girdle
an article of dress encircling the body, usually at the waist
girder
a horizontal main structural member (as in a building or bridge) that supports vertical loads and that consists of a single piece or of more than one piece bound together
infantry
foot soldiers collectively