Gate 1-2, Vocabulary 1-300

Front 1

acropolis

Back 1

(n) : the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city (as Athens); also : a usually fortified height of a city or district elsewhere (as in Central America)

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anarchy

Back 2

(n) a : absence of government b : a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental

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beseech

Back 3

(tr. v) : 1 : to beg for urgently or anxiously 2 : to request earnestly : implore

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consent

Back 4

: 1 (int. v) : to give assent or approval : agree 2 (n) : compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another : acquiescence

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effulgent

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(adj) : radiantly splendid : brilliant

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elegiac

Back 6

(adj) : of, relating to, or comprising elegy or an elegy; especially : expressing sorrow often for something now past

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expatiate

Back 7

(int. v) : 1 : to move about freely or at will : wander

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filch

Back 8

(tr. v) : to appropriate furtively or casually

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intuitive

Back 9

(adj) : known or perceived by intuition

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labyrinth

Back 10

(n) 1 : a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys : a maze 2 : something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character

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metaphysical

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(adj) : of or relating to the transcendent or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses b : supernatural

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mortify

Back 12

(tr. v) : to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) especially by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort

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ominous

Back 13

(adj) : being or exhibiting an omen : portentous; especially : foreboding or foreshadowing evil : inauspicious

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penitence

Back 14

: the quality or state of experiencing sorrow for sins or faults

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pilgrimage

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(n) : a journey of a pilgrim; especially : one to a shrine or a sacred place

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pretext

Back 16

(n) : a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs

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progeny

Back 17

(n) : a : descendants, children b : offspring of animals or plants

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prowess

Back 18

(n) : 1 : distinguished bravery; especially : military valor and skill

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sovereignty

Back 19

(n) : a : supreme power especially over a body politic b : freedom from external control : autonomy

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treble

Back 20

(n) : 1 : the highest voice part in harmonic music : soprano 2 : a member of a family of instruments having the highest range

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analogy

Back 21

(n) 1 : a similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison may be based 2 : a form of reasoning in which one thing is inferred to be similar to another thing in a certain respect, on the basis of the known similarity between the things in other respects.

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braggart

Back 22

1 (n) : a person who does a lot of bragging. 2 (adj) : boastful

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brazen

Back 23

(adj) 1 : shameless or impudent. 2 : made of brass

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celestial

Back 24

(adj) 1 : pertaining to the sky or visible heaven. 2 : pertaining to the spiritual or invisible heaven; heavenly; divine.

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comrade

Back 25

(n) 1 : a person who shares in one's activities, occupation, etc.; companion, associate, or friend. 2 : a member of the Communist party or someone with strongly leftist views.

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connoisseur

Back 26

(n) 1 : a person who is especially competent to pass critical judgments in an art, particularly one of the fine arts, or in matters of taste. 2 : a discerning judge of the best in any field.

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drivel

Back 27

(n) 1 : saliva flowing from the mouth, or mucus from the nose. 2 : childish, silly, or meaningless talk or thinking; nonsense; twaddle.

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enervate

Back 28

(tr. v) : to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken.

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exodus

Back 29

(n) : a going out; a departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people

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jeer

Back 30

(int. v) 1 : to speak or shout derisively; scoff or gibe rudely. 2 (tr. v) : to shout derisively at; taunt.

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kowtow

Back 31

(int. v) 1 : to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference. 2 : to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., esp. in former Chinese custom.

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martyr

Back 32

(n) 1 : a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion. 2 : a person who seeks sympathy or attention by feigning or exaggerating pain, deprivation, etc.

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nemesis

Back 33

(n) 1 : an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome. 2 : an agent or act of retribution or punishment.

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nuptial

Back 34

1 (adj) : pertaining to marriage or the marriage ceremony. 2 (n) : a wedding or marriage.

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orb

Back 35

(n) : a sphere or globe.

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panoplies

Back 36

(n) 1 : a complete suit of armor. 2 : full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.

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promulgate

Back 37

(tr. v) 1 : to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). 2 : to set forth or teach publicly

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refrain

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1 (tr. v) : to abstain from an impulse to say or do something. 2 (int. v) : to curb.

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resolve

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1 (int. v) : to come to a definite or earnest decision about. 2 (tr. v) : to come to a determination; make up one's mind.

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sanctity

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(n) 1 : holiness, saintliness, or godliness. 2 : a sacred thing.

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chastise

Back 41

(tr. v) 1 : to inflect punishment on, esp. as by whipping. 2 : to criticize severely

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conceit

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(n) 1 : an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit, etc. 2: something that is conceived in the mind; a thought; idea.

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dissoluble

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(adj) 1 : capable of being dissolved. 2 : capable of being destroyed, as through disintegration or decomposition.

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doctrine

Back 44

(n) 1 : a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government. 2 : something that is taught.

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enmity

Back 45

(n) : a feeling or condition of hostility; animosity; antagonism.

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enumerate

Back 46

(tr. v) 1 : to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list. 2 : to ascertain the number of; count.

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epithet

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(n) 1 : any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality. 2 : a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like.

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essence

Back 48

(n) 1 : the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features. 2 : a substance obtained from a plant, drug, or the like, by distillation, infusion, etc., and containing its characteristic properties in concentrated form.

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ether

Back 49

(n) 1 : one of a class of compounds in which two organic groups are attached directly to an oxygen atom, having the general formula ROR. 2 : the upper regions of space; the clear sky; the heavens.

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fallacy

Back 50

(n) 1 : a deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc 2 : a misleading or unsound argument.

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gape

Back 51

(int. v) 1 : to stare with open mouth, as in wonder. 2 (n) : a stare, as in astonishment or with the mouth wide open.

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hemlock

Back 52

(n) 1 : a poisonous plant, Conium maculatum, of the parsley family, having purple-spotted stems, finely divided leaves, and umbels of small white flowers, used medicinally as a powerful sedative. 2 : a poisonous drink made from this plant.

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indolent

Back 53

(adj) 1 : having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful. 2: causing little or no pain; inactive or relatively benign.

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libation

Back 54

(n) 1 : pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity. 2 : an intoxicating beverage, as wine, esp. when drunk in ceremonial or celebrative situations.

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parricide

Back 55

(n) 1 : the act of killing one's father, mother, or other close relative. 2 : a person who commits such an act.

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perish

Back 56

(int. v) 1 : to die or be destroyed through violence, privation, etc. 2 : to pass away or disappear

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pious

Back 57

(adj) 1 : having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations. 2 : characterized by a hypocritical concern with virtue or religious devotion; sanctimonious.

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sophist

Back 58

(n) 1 : a person who reasons adroitly and speciously rather than soundly. 2 : a philosopher.

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tunic

Back 59

(n) 1 : a gownlike outer garment, with or without sleeves and sometimes belted, worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans. 2 : a woman's upper garment, either loose or close-fitting and extending over the skirt to the hips or below.

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wanton

Back 60

(adj) 1 : done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiable. 2 : deliberate and without motive or provocation; uncalled-for; headstrong; willful.

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battalion

Back 61

(n) 1 : a ground force unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies or similar units. 2 : an army in battle array.

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bewilder

Back 62

(tr. v) : to confuse or puzzle completely; perplex.

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citadel

Back 63

(n) 1 : a fortress that commands a city and is used in the control of the inhabitants and in defense during attack or siege. 2 : any strongly fortified place; stronghold.

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encompass

Back 64

(tr.v) 1 : to form a circle about; encircle; surround. 2 : to enclose; envelop.

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gratitude

Back 65

(n) 1 : the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. 2 : The state of being grateful; thankfulness.

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greave

Back 66

(n) : a piece of plate armor for the leg between the knee and the ankle, usually composed of front and back pieces.

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lamentation

Back 67

(n) 1 : the act of expressing grief.

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marshal

Back 68

1 : (n) : a military officer of the highest rank, as in the French and some other armies. 2 (tr. v) : to arrange in proper order; set out in an orderly manner; arrange clearly.

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mull

Back 69

1 : (int. v) : to study or ruminate; ponder. 2 (tr. v) : to think about carefully; to consider.

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pell-mell

Back 70

1 : (adv) : in disorderly, headlong haste; in a recklessly hurried manner. 2 (adj) : indiscriminate; disorderly; confused.

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plunder

Back 71

1 : (tr. v) : to rob of goods or valuables by open force, as in war, hostile raids, brigandage, etc. 2 : (int. v) : to pillage.

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portent

Back 72

(n) 1 : an indication or omen of something about to happen, esp. something momentous. 2 : threatening or disquieting significance.

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revile

Back 73

1 : (tr. v) : to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively. 2 (int. v) : to speak abusively.

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scabbard

Back 74

(n) 1 : a sheath for a sword or the like. 2 (int. v) : to put into a sheath; sheathe.

Front 75

sinew

Back 75

(n) 1 : a tendon. 2 : (often plural) the source of strength, power, or vigor.

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skulk

Back 76

(int. v) 1 : to lie or keep in hiding, as for some evil reason. 2 : to move in a stealthy manner; slink.

Front 77

spate

Back 77

(n) : a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring.

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summon

Back 78

(tr. v) 1 : to call for the presence of, as by command, message, or signal; call. 2 : to call into action; rouse.

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tumult

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(n) 1 : violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar. 2 : highly distressing agitation of mind or feeling; turbulent mental or emotional disturbance.

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vaunt

Back 80

1 : (tr. v) : to speak vaingloriously of; boast of. 2 : (n) : a boastful action or utterance.

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audacious

Back 81

(adj) 1 : intrepidly daring. 2 : contemptuous of flaw, religion, or decorum.

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cobalt

Back 82

(n) : a silver-white metallic element with a faint pinkish tinge, occurring in compounds whose silicates afford important blue coloring substances for ceramics. 2 : a strong greenish blue.

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conspicuous

Back 83

(adj) 1 : easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable. 2 : attracting special attention, as by outstanding qualities or eccentricities.

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corselet

Back 84

(n) 1 : a piece of armor covering the trunk. 2 : a woman's lightweight foundation garment combining a brassiere and girdle in one piece.

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cumber

Back 85

(tr. v) 1 : to hinder; hamper. 2 : to overload; burden.

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glade

Back 86

(n) : an open space in a forest.

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goad

Back 87

1 : (n) : a stick with a pointed or electrically charged end, for driving cattle, oxen, etc. 2 (tr. v) to incite or rouse as with a stick

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haughty

Back 88

(adj) 1 : disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant; supercilious. 2 : lofty or noble; exalted.

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havoc

Back 89

(n) : great destruction or devastation; ruinous damage.

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hew

Back 90

(tr. v) : to strike forcibly with an ax, sword, or other cutting instrument; chop.

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mare

Back 91

(n) : a female horse or other equine animal especially when fully mature or of breeding age.

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pitiless

Back 92

(adj) : devoid of pity.

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ponder

Back 93

(tr. v) : to consider something deeply and thoroughly.

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preeminent

Back 94

(adj) : eminent above or before others; superior; surpassing.

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quiver

Back 95

1 : (int. v) : to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble. 2 (n) : a case for holding or carrying arrows.

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scion

Back 96

(n) 1 : a descendant. 2 : a detached shoot or twig containing buds from a woody plant, used in grafting.

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supplicate

Back 97

1 (tr. v) : to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition. 2 (int. v) : to seek or ask for by humble entreaty.

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tawny

Back 98

(adj) : of a dark yellowish or dull yellowish-brown color.

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thicket

Back 99

(n) : a thick or dense growth of shrubs, bushes, or small trees; a thick coppice.

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wit

Back 100

(n) 1 : the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure. 2 : understanding, intelligence, or sagacity; astuteness.

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adduce

Back 101

(tr. v) : to bring forward in argument or as evidence; cite as pertinent or conclusive.

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amicable

Back 102

(adj) : characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable.

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annex

Back 103

(tr. v) : to attach, append, or add, esp. to something larger or more important. 2 (n) : a subsidiary building or an addition to a building.

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appropriate

Back 104

1 : (adj) : suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion, etc. 2 : (tr. v): to set apart, authorize, or legislate for some specific purpose or use.

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arbitrary

Back 105

(adj) : 1 : subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion. 2 : having unlimited power; uncontrolled or unrestricted by law; despotic; tyrannical.

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aristocrat

Back 106

(n) : a member of a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, esp. a noble.

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cultivate

Back 107

(tr. v) : to prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; till.

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diplomacy

Back 108

(n) : the conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.

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fidelity

Back 109

(n) : strict observance of promises, duties, etc.

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franchise

Back 110

(n) : the right or license granted by a company to an individual or group to market its products or services in a specific territory.

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heritage

Back 111

(n) : something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion.

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ideology

Back 112

(n) : the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.

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imperial

Back 113

(adj) 1 : of, like, or pertaining to an empire. 2 : of, like, or pertaining to an emperor or empress.

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magnate

Back 114

(n) : a person of great influence, importance, or standing in a particular enterprise, field of business, etc.

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mercantile

Back 115

(adj) 1 : of or pertaining to merchants or trade; commercial. 2 : engaged in trade or commerce.

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multitude

Back 116

(n) 1 : a great number; host. 2 : a great number of people gathered together; crowd; throng.

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ovation

Back 117

(n) : an enthusiastic public reception of a person, marked esp. by loud and prolonged applause.

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sedition

Back 118

(n) 1 : incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government. 2 : any action, esp. in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.

Front 119

strife

Back 119

(n) 1 : vigorous or bitter conflict, discord, or antagonism. 2 : a quarrel, struggle, or clash.

Front 120

vanquish

Back 120

(tr. v) 1 : to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle. 2 : to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over.

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anomaly

Back 121

(n) 1 : a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form. 2 : an incongruity or inconsistency.

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apocalypse

Back 122

(n) 1: a prophetic revelation, esp. concerning a cataclysm in which the forces of good permanently triumph over the forces of evil. 2: any universal or widespread destruction or disaster.

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autocrat

Back 123

(n) : a person invested with or claiming to exercise absolute authority.

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barbarian

Back 124

(n) : a person in a savage, primitive state; uncivilized person.

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bureaucracy

Back 125

(n) : the body of officials and administrators, esp. of a government or government department.

Front 126

colossal

Back 126

(adj) : extraordinarily great in size, extent, or degree; gigantic; huge.

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commodity

Back 127

(n) : an article of trade or commerce, esp. a product as distinguished from a service.

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delegate

Back 128

(n) 1 : a person designated to act for or represent another or others; deputy; representative, as in a political convention. 2 (tr. v) : to send or appoint (a person) as deputy or representative.

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depreciate

Back 129

(tr. v) 1 : to reduce the purchasing value of, esp. in money. 2 : to lessen the value or price of.

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egalitarian

Back 130

(adj) : asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, esp. in political, economic, or social life.

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ferment

Back 131

(tr.v) 1 : to inflame. 2 : to cause agitation or excitement in.

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fervent

Back 132

(adj) 1 : having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent. 2 : hot; burning; glowing.

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hypocrite

Back 133

(n) : a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

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insolence

Back 134

(n) : contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech.

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lavish

Back 135

(adj) 1 : expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion. 2 : using or giving in great amounts; prodigal.

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pagan

Back 136

(n) : one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks.

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persecution

Back 137

(n) : a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate a people because of their religion, race, or beliefs.

Front 138

scourge

Back 138

(n) : a whip or lash, esp. for the infliction of punishment or torture.

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tangible

Back 139

(adj) : capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial.

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urbane

Back 140

(adj) : having the polish and suavity regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities.

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adjoin

Back 141

(tr. v) 1 : to attach or append; affix. 2 (int. v) : to be in connection or contact.

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amnesty

Back 142

(n) 1 : a general pardon for offenses, esp. political offenses, against a government, often granted before any trial or conviction. 2 (tr. v) : to pardon.

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copious

Back 143

(adj) : large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful. 2 : exhibiting abundance or fullness, as of thoughts or words.

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corporeal

Back 144

(adj) : of the nature of the physical body; material; tangible.

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credulous

Back 145

(adj) : willing to believe or trust too readily, esp. without proper or adequate evidence; gullible.

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diadem

Back 146

(n) 1 : a cloth headband, sometimes adorned with jewels, formerly worn by Oriental kings. 2 (tr. v) : to adorn with or as if with such a headband; crown.

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dominion

Back 147

(n) : the power or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority. 2 : a territory, usually of considerable size, in which a single rulership holds sway.

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dreg

Back 148

(n) : (usually plural) : the sediment of liquids; lees; grounds; the least valuable part of anything.

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execrate

Back 149

(tr. v) 1 a : to detest utterly; abhor; abominate; to curse. b : imprecate evil upon; damn; denounce. 2 (int. v) : to utter curses.

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importunity

Back 150

(n) : the state or quality of being urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so.

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incur

Back 151

(tr. v) 1 : to come into or acquire (some consequence, usually undesirable or injurious). 2 : to become liable or subject to through one's own action; bring or take upon oneself.

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indiscriminate

Back 152

(adj) : 1 :lacking in care, judgment, selectivity, etc. 2 : not kept apart or divided; thrown together; jumbled.

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lurk

Back 153

(int. v) 1 : to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively. 2 : to go furtively; slink; steal.

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mutable

Back 154

(adj) 1 : liable or subject to change or alteration. 2 : given to changing; constantly changing; fickle or inconstant.

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neophyte

Back 155

(n) 1 : a beginner or novice. 2 : a person newly converted to a belief, as a heathen, heretic, or nonbeliever; proselyte.

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nocturnal

Back 156

(adj) 1 : of or pertaining to the night. 2 : done, occurring, or coming at night

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notorious

Back 157

(adj) 1 : widely and unfavorably known. 2 : publicly or generally known, as for a particular trait.

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propaganda

Back 158

(n) 1 : information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation. 2 : the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors.

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prostrate

Back 159

1 : (tr. v) : to cast (oneself) face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration. 2 : (adj) : lying face down on the ground, as in token of humility, submission, or adoration.

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solace

Back 160

(n) 1 : comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort. 2 (tr. v) : to comfort, console, or cheer (a person, oneself, the heart, etc.).

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arbor

Back 161

(n) : a leafy, shady recess formed by tree branches, shrubs, etc.

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besmear

Back 162

(tr. v) 1 : to smear all over; bedaub. 2: to sully; defile; soil.

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bridle

Back 163

1 : (n) : the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins. 2 : (tr. v) : to restrain, check, or control with or as if with such headgear.

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constitute

Back 164

(tr. v) 1 : to compose; form; establish. 2: to appoint to an office or function.

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emulate

Back 165

(tr. v.) : to try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.

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extenuate

Back 166

(tr. v) : 1 : to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious. 2 : to underestimate, underrate, or make light of

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ingratitude

Back 167

(n) : forgetfulness of or lack of appreciation for kindness.

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inter

Back 168

(tr. v) : to place (a dead body) in a grave or tomb; bury.

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kinship

Back 169

(n) : relationship by nature, qualities, etc.; affinity.

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melancholy

Back 170

(n) 1 : sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness. 2 : sadness or depression of the spirits; gloom.

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mettle

Back 171

(n) 1 : courage and fortitude. 2 : disposition or temperament.

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misconstrue

Back 172

(tr. v) : to misunderstand the meaning of; take in a wrong sense; misinterpret.

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monger

Back 173

(n) : a person who is involved with something in a petty or contemptible way.

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moor

Back 174

(n) 1 : a tract of open, peaty, wasteland, often overgrown with heath, common in high latitudes and altitudes where drainage is poor; heath. 2 : a tract of land preserved for game.

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mutiny

Back 175

(n) : revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, esp. by sailors against their officers.

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prestige

Back 176

(n) : reputation or influence arising from success, achievement, rank, or other favorable attributes.

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pulpit

Back 177

(n) : a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted.

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quintessential

Back 178

(adj) : being the most typical example or most important part of something.

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stratify

Back 179

(tr. v) : to form or place in layers.

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sumptuous

Back 180

(adj) : entailing great expense, as from choice materials, fine work, etc.

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amiable

Back 181

(adj) : having or showing pleasant, good-natured personal qualities; affable.

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cherub

Back 182

(n) 1 : a person, esp. a child, with a sweet, chubby, innocent face. 2 : a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.

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clemency

Back 183

(n) : disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.

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concubine

Back 184

(n) : a woman who cohabits with a man to whom she is not legally married, esp. one regarded as socially or sexually subservient; mistress.

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dais

Back 185

(n) : a raised platform, as at the front of a room, for a lectern, throne, seats of honor, etc.

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hostelry

Back 186

(n) : an inn or hotel.

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malady

Back 187

(n) : any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deep-seated.

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motley

Back 188

(adj) 1 : exhibiting great diversity of elements; heterogeneous. 2 : being of different colors combined.

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palfrey

Back 189

(n) : a saddle horse particularly suitable for a woman.

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prudent

Back 190

(adj) : wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.

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reeve

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(n) : an administrative officer of a town or district; a person of high rank representing the crown.

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ribald

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(adj) 1 : vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous. 2 (n) : a person with such characteristics.

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sanguine

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(adj) 1 : cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident. 2 : reddish; ruddy.

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superfluous

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(adj) 1 : being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2 : unnecessary or needless.

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taffeta

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(n) 1 : a medium-weight or light-weight fabric of acetate, nylon, rayon, or silk, usually smooth, crisp, and lustrous, plain-woven, and with a fine crosswise rib effect. 2 : any of various other fabrics of silk, linen, wool, etc., in use at different periods.

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threadbare

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(adj) 1 : having the nap worn off so that the thread shows. 2 : barely adequate because of cheapness or shabbiness.

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unctuous

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(adj) 1 : characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug. 2 : of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.

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venery

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(n) : the practice or sport of hunting; the chase.

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worsted

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(n) 1 : a tightly twisted woolen yarn. 2 : wool cloth woven from such yarns, having a hard, smooth surface and no nap.

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yeoman

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1 (n) : one of a class of lesser freeholders, below the gentry, who cultivated their own land, early admitted in England to political rights. 2 : a farmer who cultivates his own land.

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adamant

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(adj) : utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urgings, etc.

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cavalry

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(n) 1 : the part of a military force composed of troops that serve on horseback. 2 : : an army component moving in motor vehicles or helicopters and assigned to combat missions that require great mobility.

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cognition

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(n) : the act or process of knowing; perception.

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etiquette

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(n) : conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

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fetter

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1 (n) : a chain or shackle placed on the feet. 2 (tr.v) : to confine; restrain.

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gauntlet

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(n) : a medieval glove, as of mail or plate, worn by a knight in armor to protect the hand.

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gluttony

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(n) 1 : excessive eating and drinking. 2 : greedy or excessive indulgence

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haunches

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(n) 1 : the fleshy part of the body about the hip. 2 : the leg and loin of an animal, used for food.

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idle

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(adj) : not working or active; unemployed; doing nothing.

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incantation

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(n) : the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.

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lechery

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(n) : unrestrained or excessive indulgence of sexual desire.

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muddle

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1 (tr. v) : to mix up in a confused or bungling manner. 2 (n) : a confused mess.

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pennon

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(n) : a distinctive flag in any of various forms, as tapering, triangular, or swallow-tailed, formerly one borne on the lance of a knight.

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pestilence

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(n) : a deadly or virulent epidemic disease.

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regiment

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(n) 1 : a unit of ground forces, consisting of two or more battalions or battle groups, a headquarters unit, and certain supporting units. 2 (tr. v) : to manage or treat in a rigid, uniform manner; subject to strict discipline.

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relic

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(n) 1 : a surviving memorial of something past. 2 : an object having interest by reason of its age or its association with the past.

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rheumatism

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(n) : any of various conditions characterized by inflammation or pain in muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue, characterized by pain and stiffness.

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rudimentary

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(adj) 1 : pertaining to first principles; elementary. 2 : of a primitive kind.

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sallow

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(adj) : of a sickly, yellowish color.

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solemn

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(adj) 1 : marked by the observance of established form or ceremony. 2 : marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety.

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admonish

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(tr. v) 1 : to caution, advise, or counsel against something. 2 : to reprove or scold, esp. in a mild and good-willed manner

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adulation

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(n) : excessive or slavish admiration or flattery.

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adversary

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(n) : a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.

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anachronism

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(n) : something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, esp. a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time.

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antipodes

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(pl. n) 1 : places diametrically opposite each other on the globe. 2 : those who dwell there.

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cadaver

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(n) : a dead body, esp. a human body to be dissected; corpse.

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despot

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(n) : a king or other ruler with absolute, unlimited power; autocrat.

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embellish

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(tr. v) 1 : to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn. 2 : to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.

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griffin

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(n): a fabled monster, usually having the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.

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gusto

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(n) 1 : hearty or keen enjoyment, as in eating or drinking, or in action or speech in general. 2 : individual taste or liking.

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idol

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(n) : an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.

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popinjay

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(n) 1 : a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop 2 : a woodpecker, esp. the green woodpecker.

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premonition

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(n) : a feeling of anticipation of or anxiety over a future event; presentiment.

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pungent

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(adj) 1 : sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid. 2 : acutely distressing to the feelings or mind; poignant.

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purlieus

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(pl. n) 1 : places where one may range at large; confines or bounds. 2 : a person's haunts or resorts.

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scythe

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(n) : an agricultural implement consisting of a long, curving blade fastened at an angle to a handle, for cutting grass, grain, etc., by hand.

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solicitude

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(n) 1 : the state of being concerned and anxious. 2 : attentive care and protectiveness.

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sundry

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(adj) : various or diverse.

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swaddle

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(tr. v) 1 : to bind, esp. an infant, with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement; wrap tightly with clothes. 2 : to wrap round with bandages.

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wraith

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(n) 1 : an apparition of a living person supposed to portend his or her death. 2 : a visible spirit.

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baron

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(n) 1 : a member of the lowest grade of nobility. 2 : a feudal vassal holding his lands under a direct grant from the king.

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bracken

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(n) 1 : a large fern or brake. 2 : a cluster or thicket of such ferns; an area overgrown with ferns and shrubs.

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brash

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(adj) 1 : hasty; rash; impetuous. 2 (n) : a pile or stack of loose fragments or debris, as of rocks or hedge clippings.

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competent

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(adj) 1 : having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience, etc., for some purpose; properly qualified. 2 : adequate but not exceptional.

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compulsory

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(adj) 1 : required; mandatory; obligatory. 2 (n) : something, as an athletic feat, that must be performed or completed as part of a contest or competition.

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disconsolate

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(adj) 1 : without consolation or solace; hopelessly unhappy; inconsolable. 2 : characterized by or causing dejection.

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facetious

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(adj) 1 : not meant to be taken seriously or literally. 2 : amusing; humorous.

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incontinence

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(n) 1 : the quality or state of being unable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces. 2 : the quality or state of being unable to contain or retain.

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limbo

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(n) 1 : (often capitalized) a region on the border of hell or heaven, serving as the abode after death of unbaptized infants and of the righteous who died before the coming of Christ. 2 : a place or state of oblivion to which persons or things are regarded as being relegated when cast aside, forgotten, past, or out of date.

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malice

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(n) : desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness.

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pallor

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(n) : unusual or extreme paleness, as from fear, ill health, or death; wanness.

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pandemonium

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(n) 1 : wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. 2: hell.

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pinnacle

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(n) 1 : a lofty peak. 2 : any pointed, towering part or formation, as of rock.

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quarry

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(n) 1 : an excavation or pit, usually open to the air, from which building stone, slate, or the like, is obtained by cutting, blasting, etc. 2 : an abundant source or supply.

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reprimand

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(n) 1 : a severe reproof or rebuke, esp. a formal one by a person in authority. 2 (tr. v) : to reprove or rebuke severely, esp. in a formal way.

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retribution

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(n) 1 : requital according to merits or deserts, esp. for evil. 2 : the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life.

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retrograde

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(adj) 1 : moving backward; having a backward motion or direction; retiring or retreating. 2 : moving in an orbit in the direction opposite to that of the earth in its revolution around the sun.

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romantic

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(adj) 1 : fanciful; impractical; unrealistic. 2 : imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.

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shrill

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(adj) : high-pitched and piercing in sound quality.

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writhe

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(int. v) 1 : to twist the body about, or squirm, as in pain, violent effort, etc. 2 : to shrink mentally, as in acute discomfort.

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abyss

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(n) 1 : A deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm. 2 : anything profound, unfathomable, or infinite.

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allure

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(tr. v) 1 : to attract or tempt by something flattering or desirable. 2 : to fascinate; charm. 3 : to be attractive or tempting.

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arduous

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(adj) 1 : requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult. 2 : hard to endure; full of hardships; severe.

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attrition

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(n) 1 : a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength. 2 : a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment.

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convalescent

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1 : (n) : a person who is recovering from an illness. 2 : (adj) : returning to health and strength after illness.

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entice

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(tr. v) : to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle.

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equinox

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(n) 1 : the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day of approximately equal length all over the earth. 2 : either of the equinoctial points.

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gilded

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(adj) 1 : covered or highlighted with gold or something of a golden color. 2 : having a pleasing or showy appearance that conceals something of little worth.

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inure

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1 : (tr. v) : to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate. 2 : (int. v) : to become beneficial or advantageous.

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jovial

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(adj) : endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good-fellowship.

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litany

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(n) 1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations by the priest with responses from the congregation. 2 : any long and tedious address or recital.

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nebulous

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(adj) : hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused.

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nettle

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1 : (n) : any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs. 2 : (tr. v) : cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations.

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ostentatious

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(adj) : characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.

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precipice

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(n) 1 : a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face. 2 : a situation of great peril.

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recourse

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(n) 1 : a turning to someone or something for help or protection. 2 : the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument.

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salvation

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(n) 1 : the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc. 2 : the state of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.

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sloth

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(n) 1 : habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness. 2 : a pack or group of bears.

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swoon

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(int. v) 1: to faint; lose consciousness. 2 : to enter a state of hysterical rapture or ecstasy.

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transgress

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(tr. v) 1 : to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.; offend; sin. 2 : to pass over or go beyond.

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absolve

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(tr. v) 1 : to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt.

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alchemy

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(n) 1 : a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life.

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contrition

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(n) 1 : the state of feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming : repentance

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cull

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(tr. v) 1 : to select from a group. 2 : to reduce or control the size of (as a herd) by removal (as by hunting) of especially weaker animals

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dank

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(adj) : unpleasantly moist or wet

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demesne

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(n) 1 : legal possession of land as one's own.

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entomb

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(tr. v) 1 : to deposit in or as if in a tomb : bury. 2 : to serve as a tomb for.

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exemplar

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(n) : one that serves as a model or example; an ideal model; a typical or standard specimen.

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felon

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(n) : one who has committed a serious crime.

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harrow

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1 : (n) : : a cultivating implement set with spikes, spring teeth, or disks and used primarily for pulverizing and smoothing the soil. 2 : (tr v) : to cultivate with such an implement

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leprosy

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(n) : a chronic, mildly infectious disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, skin, and nasal mucosa and variously characterized by ulcerations, tubercular nodules, and loss of sensation that sometimes leads to traumatic amputation of the anesthetized part.

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miscreant

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1 : (adj) : depraved, villainous, or base. 2 : (n) : a vicious or depraved person; villain.

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nape

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(n) : the back of the neck.

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paunch

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(n) 1 : a large and protruding belly; potbelly. 2 : the belly or abdomen.

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penitent

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1 : (adj) : feeling or expressing sorrow for sin or wrongdoing and disposed to atonement and amendment. 2 : (n) : a person who repents of sin.

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portal

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(n) 1 : a door, gate, or entrance, esp. one of imposing appearance, as to a palace. 2 : an entrance to a tunnel or mine.

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punitive

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(adj) : serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment.

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rivulet

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(n) : a small stream; streamlet; brook.

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wane

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(int. v) 1 : to decrease in strength, intensity, etc. 2 : to draw to a close; approach an end.

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whelp

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1 : (n) : the young of the dog, or of the wolf, bear, lion, tiger, seal, etc. 2 : (tr. v) : to give birth to —used of various carnivores and especially the dog.