The Tainted Cup

Question 1

Stamen

Answer 1

noun BOTANY
the male fertilizing organ of a flower, typically consisting of a pollen-containing anther and a filament.

Question 2

Liaison

Answer 2

noun
1. communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations.
“the head porter works in close liaison with the reception office”

2. the binding or thickening agent of a sauce, often based on egg yolks.

Question 3

Malignant

Answer 3

adjective
1. evil in nature or effect; malevolent.
“in the hands of malignant fate”

2. (of a disease) very virulent or infectious.
3. (of a tumour) tending to invade normal tissue or to recur after removal; cancerous.

Question 4

Cairn

Answer 4

noun
1. a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline.

2. a prehistoric burial mound made of stones.
   “a chambered cairn”
3. a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat.

Question 5

Demerit

Answer 5

noun
a fault or disadvantage.
“the merits and demerits of these proposals”

NORTH AMERICAN
a mark awarded against someone for a fault or offence.

Question 6

Convivial

Answer 6

adjective
(of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable.
“a convivial cocktail party”

(of a person) cheerful and friendly; jovial.
“she was relaxed and convivial”

Question 7

Gauzy

Answer 7

adjective
resembling gauze; thin and translucent.
“a gauzy dress”

Question 8

Bucolic

Answer 8

adjective
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
“the church is lovely for its bucolic setting”

noun
a pastoral poem.

Question 9

Tussock

Answer 9

noun
a small area of grass that is thicker or longer than the grass growing around it.

Question 10

Sable

Answer 10

noun
a marten with a short tail and dark brown fur, native to Japan and Siberia and valued for its fur.

the fur of the sable.

LITERARY•HERALDRY
black.

ARCHAIC
mourning garments.

a large African antelope with long curved horns, the male of which has a black coat and the female a russet coat, both having a white belly.

adjectiveLITERARY•HERALDRY
black.
“the sable blackness of her hair”

Question 11

Ewer

Answer 11

noun
a large jug with a wide mouth, formerly used for carrying water.

Question 12

Agog

Answer 12

adjective
very eager or curious to hear or see something.
“I’m all agog”