Unit 7 Flashcards
Balk
[From old English Balca “ a ridge, a heap”
To refuse, to resist to continue
To hinder, to obstruct.
The horse balked at the last barrier and threw its unfortunate rider headlong into the dirt.
Bliss
Extreme happiness, state of spiritual joy.
Old English alternation of blithes “joyful”
Some people settle for trivial happiness in the world rather than attaining the highest bliss through the freedom of the mind.
Callow
From middle English calew “bald”
IMMATURE ; lacking life experience
Dastardly
From Middle English dast (from dasen) “full, studpid, inert” + ard “ excess
Showing despicable cowardice.
Foray
From Middle English forreier “a forager”
A sudden attack, raid, assault.
The pirates forayed a near by village north of the Caribbean.
Lithe
From old English lith, Lyra “soft, gentle, mild.
Pliant (flexible) , easily-bent.
Qualm
From old English cwealm “pestilence, death.
Uneasiness, dealing doubtful or fear.
The small girl had no qualm about riding the tall spirited horse.
Reek
From old English l, rescan to “emit smoke”
To emit a strong repulsive odor
Kimmy’s sock reeks of garbage and old broccoli
Rue
From old English hreowan “to affect with grief” and hreowain “to repent “
To be sorrowful or regretful.
When i neglect a task, i rue my decision.
Slough
Middle High German sluch “a skin, especially a snakes” from old English sluck “a snakeskin”
To cast off; shed; discard as unwanted
He sloughed off all the verbal attacks with a mere shrug of his shoulders.
Sundry
From old English Syndrig “separate”
Assorted items
