Week 1: Jan 9-15, 2017

Question 1

Mercantilism

Answer 1

belief in the benefits of profitable trading; commercialism

Question 2

Ad hoc (adj & adv)

Answer 2

for the particular case at hand without consideration of wider application

Question 3

Adversary (n)

Answer 3

opponent, enemy

Question 4

Pilfer (v)

Answer 4

to steal, especially in small quantities

Question 5

Blithe (adj)

Answer 5

without thought or regard; carefree (or happy disposition)

Question 6

Largesse (n)

Answer 6

generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others

Question 7

Expropriate (v)

Answer 7

to take possession of, especially taking private property for public use

Question 8

Dragnet (n)

Answer 8

a system or network for finding or catching someone

Question 9

Pyrrhic victory (n)

Answer 9

a victory or goal achieved at too great a cost

Question 10

Plutocracy (n)

Answer 10

government by the wealthy

Question 11

Imbroglio (n)

Answer 11

a confused heap; a misunderstanding

Question 12

Ubiquitous (adj)

Answer 12

existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent

Question 13

Ignominious (adj)

Answer 13

marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame; dishonourable

Question 14

Behest (n)

Answer 14

an authoritative order

Question 15

Insolvent (adj)

Answer 15

unable to satisfy creditors or discharge liabilities, either because liabilities exceed assets or because of the inability to pay debts as they mature