Random Words Flashcards
Overture
something introductory
Preamble
the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
statute
a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
poseur
a person who pretends to be what he or she is not : an affected or insincere person
insolent
insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct
grouch
a fit of bad temper
graphology
the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of character analysis
phonograph
an instrument for reproducing sounds by means of the vibration of a stylus or needle following a spiral groove on a revolving disc or cylinder
millinery
women’s apparel for the head
scythe
an implement used for mowing grass, grain, or other crops and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle
granary
a storehouse for threshed grain
threshold
the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door
reticent
inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech
reprobate
an unprincipled or depraved person : SCOUNDREL, ROGUE
zealous
marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal : filled with or characterized by zeal
maverick
an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party
accede
to express approval or give consent : to agree to a request or demand —usually + to
garrulous
given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
dissolution
the act or process of dissolving
furrow
a trench in the earth made by a plow
porthole
an opening (such as a window) with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft
grovel
to give oneself over to what is base or unworthy
census
a usually complete enumeration of a population
roster
a roll or list of personnel
wheedle
to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
filibuster
an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures.
assuage
to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses)
maul
a heavy often wooden-headed hammer used especially for driving wedges
elegy
a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead
apostasy
1: an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith
2: abandonment of a previous loyalty : DEFECTION