Retailers get a lot more business in the leadup to Christmas.

In a groceteria, the bacon is already stripped of its rind, the steaks are boned and cut to the size of the family, and even six-pennyworth of marrow bones is wrapped up securely enough to be posted home.

Corrodant, adj. corrodant, having the power of corroding or wasting by degrees, corrosive.

Bunter entertained a hope of convincing Quelch that he hadn't been in the study at all. He had great faith in his powers as an Ananias!