Kavalier and Clay vocab

Question 1

scabrous

Answer 1

having a rough surface because of minute points or projections

Question 2

sluice

Answer 2

artificial channel for conducting water

Question 3

epoch

Answer 3

particular period of time marked by distinctive features

Question 4

donnybrook

Answer 4

inordinately wild fight or contentious dispute, brawl

Question 5

raffish

Answer 5

carefree or fun-loving unconventionality

Question 6

paramour

Answer 6

illicit lover

Question 7

pugilist

Answer 7

person who fights with fists

Question 8

acuity

Answer 8

sharpness of vision or perception, clarity

Question 9

sic

Answer 9

thus-passage is wrong but direct quote

Question 10

rubicund

Answer 10

red, healthy rosiness

Question 11

oeuvre

Answer 11

total output of writer, artist, or composer

Question 12

probity

Answer 12

honesty, virtue

Question 13

spavined

Answer 13

marked by broken down condition, rundown

Question 14

numinous

Answer 14

spiritual/supernatural

Question 15

penumbra

Answer 15

shadowy area

Question 16

idolatrous

Answer 16

worship idols

Question 17

penury

Answer 17

extreme poverty

Question 18

proviso

Answer 18

clause in a contract by which a condition is introduced

Question 19

lachrymose

Answer 19

mournful

Question 20

jaunty

Answer 20

crisp and dapper in appearance (hat)

Question 21

panache

Answer 21

grand or flamboyant manner

Question 22

ignominy

Answer 22

shame, disgrace, dishonor

Question 23

sartorial

Answer 23

relating to tailors

Question 24

deference

Answer 24

respectful submission to judgment of others

Question 25

vulpine

Answer 25

resembling a fox

Question 26

lupine

Answer 26

resembling a wolf

Question 27

tyro

Answer 27

novice, beginner

Question 28

tenebrous

Answer 28

dark, gloomy

Question 29

benthos

Answer 29

bottom of a lake, sea, ocean