Patron Saints of Nothing

Question 1

eugenecist

(yew-GEN-eh-sist)

Answer 1

A believer in eugenics–the study of how to arrange reproduction within a human population to increase the occurrence of heritable characteristics regarded as desirable

Question 2

penance

(PEN-ents)

Answer 2

Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong.

Question 3

acolyte

(ACK-uh-lite)

Answer 3

an assistant or follower; a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession.

Question 4

Lent

Answer 4

a period of 40 days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ

Question 5

embezzle

(em-BEZ-yl)

Answer 5

steal or misappropriate (money placed in one’s trust or belonging to the organization for which one works)

Question 6

balustrade

(bal-us-trade)

Answer 6

a railing supported by balusters, especially an ornamental parapet on a balcony, bridge, or terrace.

Question 7

baluster

(bal-us-ter)

Answer 7

a short pillar or column, typically decorative in design, in a series supporting a rail or coping.

Question 8

arcade

Answer 8

a covered passageway with arches along one or both sides.

Question 9

church sanctuary

(SANK-shoo-airy)

Answer 9

The main area around the altar

Question 10

rectory

(WRECK-tory)

Answer 10

Home of the rector–a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish

Question 11

parish

Answer 11

a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor.

Question 12

exonerate

(ex-AHN-er-ate)

Answer 12

absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.

Question 13

absolve

(ab-SOLVE)

Answer 13

set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility

Question 14

vigilante

(vidge-i-LAN-ti)

Answer 14

a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who police their community without legal authority

Question 15

resurrect

(rez-er-ECT)

Answer 15

Bring back from the dead

Question 16

careen

(car-EEN)

Answer 16

move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction.

Question 17

canonize

(KA-non-ize)

Answer 17

officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint

Question 18

pew

(pyoo)

Answer 18

a long bench with a back, placed in rows in the main part of some churches to seat the congregation.

Question 19

sconce

Answer 19

a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks; also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce

Question 20

intermittently

(in-ter-MITT-ent-ly)

Answer 20

occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.