Patron Saints of Nothing Flashcards
eugenecist
(yew-GEN-eh-sist)
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
penance
(PEN-ents)
Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong.
acolyte
(ACK-uh-lite)
an assistant or follower; a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession.
Lent
a period of 40 days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ
embezzle
(em-BEZ-yl)
steal or misappropriate (money placed in one’s trust or belonging to the organization for which one works)
balustrade
(bal-us-trade)
a railing supported by balusters, especially an ornamental parapet on a balcony, bridge, or terrace.
baluster
(bal-us-ter)
a short pillar or column, typically decorative in design, in a series supporting a rail or coping.
arcade
a covered passageway with arches along one or both sides.
church sanctuary
(SANK-shoo-airy)
The main area around the altar
rectory
(WRECK-tory)
Home of the rector–a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish
parish
a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor.
exonerate
(ex-AHN-er-ate)
absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.
absolve
(ab-SOLVE)
set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility
vigilante
(vidge-i-LAN-ti)
a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who police their community without legal authority
resurrect
(rez-er-ECT)
Bring back from the dead
careen
(car-EEN)
move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction.
canonize
(KA-non-ize)
officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint
pew
(pyoo)
a long bench with a back, placed in rows in the main part of some churches to seat the congregation.
sconce
a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks; also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce
intermittently
(in-ter-MITT-ent-ly)
occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
