1

felicity - the quality or state of being happy;

felicitous - 1 : very well suited or expressed : APT <a felicitous remark>
2 : PLEASANT, DELIGHTFUL <felicitous weather>
pedantic - narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned
incredulous - skeptical, disbelieving
mural - of or relating to WALL; MURAL painting - painting done on wall
contumacious – stubbornly disobedient :REBELLIOUS <the judge threatened to
charge the contumacious witness with contempt of court>
contumelious – expressing scorn

statute - a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government

statuette – a small statue

panoptic - panoramic
complicity - association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act
The council we sat in was a front...to make the new Spartans believe we were
unaware of agent Mulder's COMPLICITY.
expunge - obliterate, remove completely
venal - can be purchased for money, mercenary
vanguard - troops moving at the head of an army, forefront of an action or
movement
harbinger - one that pioneers in or initiates a major change : PRECURSOR
<Death Omen. It’s a spirit being that arrives as a harbinger of death – X Files 4x22
Elegy>
altruist - unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
<Doctor: …altruists like yourself.
-Far Cry 2>
comport – (vi)to be fitting, ACCORD <actions that comport with policy>,
(vt)behave: to behave in a manner conformable to what is right proper or expected
<comported himself well in the crisis>
zealot – one who shows excessive zeal

COWARDLY-------------------------
-
recreant – cowardly; unfaithful to duty or allegiance
craven - 2 : lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly
fainthearted: COWARDLY
dastard – coward
dastardly - 2 : characterized by underhandedness or treachery <a dastardly
attack> <a dastardly villain>; COWARDLY

poltroon – (n) a spiritless coward : CRAVEN

(adj.) characterized by complete cowardice
 2

Concierge: Why is the valet running away from the hotel?

Security guard: You see that Ferrari on fire crashed into the back of
that taxi?

Concierge: Yes.

Security guard: That is the Sheikh’s car and the valet was driving it.

Concierge: He is such a poltroon; he should have stayed and explained

to the Sheikh.

Security guard: Here comes the Sheikh now, looks like you will have to
explain.

Concierge: Apparently I am a poltroon as well. Good luck security

guard. Taxi!

----------------------------------------
incorporeal – having no material body
corporeal – substantial, material
prodigious – STRANGE, UNUSUAL; ENORMOUS
endearment – word or act expressing affection
pastoral - of, relating to, or composed of shepherds or herdsmen; pleasingly
peaceful and innocent : IDYLLIC
idyllic - pleasing or picturesque in natural simplicity
rustic - rural
pander - to provide gratification for others' desires: PIMP <films that pander to
the basest emotions>
 3

perforce (adv) - by force of circumstances

<we must, perforce, deal with this issue immediately, as procrastination is not an
option>

inordinate - immoderate
supposititious – suppositious – SPURIOUS; IMAGINARY;
HYPOTHETICAL
DECLARE
------------------------------------------
aver – to declare positively, state confidently

asseverate - : to affirm or declare positively or

earnestly <he always asseverated that he did not know — G. K. Chesterton>

avow - 1 : to declare assuredly <she avowed her innocence>

2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame <ever ready to avow
his reactionary outlook>

profess - transitive verb

1 : to receive formally into a religious community following a novitiate by
acceptance of the required vows

2 a : to declare or admit openly or freely : AFFIRM b : to declare in words or

appearances only : PRETEND, CLAIM
3 : to confess one's faith in or allegiance to
4 a : to practice or claim to be versed in (a calling or profession) b : to teach
as a professor
intransitive verb
1 : to make a profession or avowal
 4

gainsay - 1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid

2 : CONTRADICT, OPPOSE

---------------------------------------------------
--

wont - ACCUSTOMED, USED <got up early as he is wont to do>

improvident – not provident: not foreseeing and providing for the future;
THRIFTLESS
bludgeon – club like weapon; something that is used to attack or bully <the
bludgeon of satire>
mendacious – given to or characterized by deception or falsehood <mendacious
tales of his adventures>
stern – rear end of boat
enjoin – prohibit

herald – (vt) ANNOUNCE; HAIL; FORESHADOW

(n) ANNOUNCER; an official at a tournament of arms with duties including
the making of announcements and the marshaling of combatants

enclave - a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within

foreign territory <ethnic enclaves>
conclave – private or secret meeting

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--

restive – 1. stubbornly resisting control : BALKY

 6

2. marked by impatience or uneasiness: FIDGETY

hegemony – domination <battled for hegemony in Asia>

betwixt – between
haver – to hem and haw <And if I haver up, Yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
-The Proclaimers (I’m gonna be 500 miles)>
haw - EQUIVOCATE <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students'
demands>
equivocate - to avoid committing oneself in what one says syn. LIE
tergiversation - 1 : evasion of straightforward action
or clear-cut statement : EQUIVOCATION
2 : desertion of a cause, position, party, or faith
 7

waffle - 1 : EQUIVOCATE, VACILLATE <waffled on the important issues>;

also : YO-YO, FLIP-FLOP
2 : to talk or write foolishly : BLATHER <can waffle…tiresomely off the point —
Times Literary Supplement>

equivocal - 1 a : subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to

mislead or confuse <an equivocal statement> b : uncertain as an indication or
sign <equivocal evidence>
2 a : of uncertain nature or classification <equivocal shapes> b : of uncertain
disposition toward a person or thing : UNDECIDED <an equivocal attitude> c : of
doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude <equivocal behavior>
synonyms see OBSCURE
encumber – WEIGH DOWN, BURDEN <tourists encumbered by heavy luggage>
envisage - to view or regard in a certain way <envisages the slum as a
hotbed of crime>
<…a seemingly endless succession of young and athletic starlets
photographed in his company or envisaged in his four-metre circuar bed?...No
Comebacks, F. Forsyth >
vaunted - highly or widely praised or boasted about <his own much vaunted
ferocity — Calvin Tomkins>,<…but he had the toughest time trying to break the
American’s vaunted nerve>
connive - to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something
one ought to oppose <the government connived in the rebels' military buildup>
innocuous - HARMLESS
knave – boy servant, deceitful fellow
eldritch – WEIRD, EERIE <eldritch shrieks of Frankenstein>
lop off – to eliminate as unnecessary or undesirable
bluster - to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats

swagger - BOAST, BRAG

vaunt - intransitive verb : to make a vain display of one's own worth or
attainments : BRAG
transitive verb : to call attention to pridefully and often boastfully
<people who vaunt their ingenuity>
(n) 1 : a vainglorious display of what one is or has or has done
 8

gasconade - BRAVADO, BOASTING

vaunt – BRAG; BOAST

vainglorious - BOASTFUL

supercilious - coolly and patronizingly haughty <reacted to their breach of

etiquette with a supercilious smile>

haughty blatantly and disdainfully proud

probity – HONESTY
intransigent – characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an
extreme position or attitude : UNCOMPROMISING <There is no issue upon
which this religion is so intransigent as the one of monotheism. – Encyclopedia
Britannica about Islam>
invective – characterized by insult or abuse <Al-Akhṭal's poetry is highly
political; he is known for panegyrics that defended Umayyad policies and for
invective that skewered those who opposed them.>
irenic – aiming or aimed at peace <The generation of peace after 1871 rested
on Germany's irenic temper, served in turn by Bismarck's statesmanship. –
Encyclopedia Britannica on International Relations>
panegyrist – one speaking or writing in high praise of:
EULOGIST
 9

skewer - a pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to keep it in form while
roasting or to hold small pieces of meat or vegetables for broiling

raillery – good natured ridicule

insouciance - lighthearted unconcern : NONCHALANCE

interlocutor - one who takes part in dialogue or conversation <His

interlocutors in these (typically adversarial) exchanges included people he
happened to meet, devoted followers, prominent political figures, and leading
thinkers of the day. – Encyclopedia Britannica on Socrates>

poignant \ \ 1 : pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>

2 a (1): painfully affecting the feelings: PIERCING (2): deeply affecting:

TOUCHING b: designed to make an impression: CUTTING <poignant satire>

nonchalance \ \

nonchalant - having an air of easy unconcern or indifference

ontology - a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of

being

insidious – TREACHEROUS; harmful but enticing<insidious drugs>; having a

gradual and cumulative effect: SUBTLE <the insidious pressures of modern
life>

invidious - 1 : tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy <the invidious

task of arbitration>
2 : ENVIOUS
3 a : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : OBNOXIOUS <invidious
remarks> b : of a kind to cause harm or resentment <an invidious
comparison>

succulent – JUICY
 10

luculent - clear in thought or expression : LUCID <the

interviewee was luculent and personable>

personable - pleasant or amiable in person : ATTRACTIVE

CONDEMNATION-------------------------------
obloquy – 1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language

2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute <Short-term

sentences are seen as particularly harmful because they tear the offender away
from his family and occupation and expose him to criminal indoctrination in
prison and to social obloquy after his release. – Encyclopedia Britannica on “the
Effectiveness of Punishment”>

Obloquy

denunciation - an act of denouncing; especially : a public condemnation

odium - (n)1 : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and

contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance
2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt :
DETESTATION
3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : OPPROBRIUM
 11

odious - arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : HATEFUL <an odious

crime> <a false and odious comparison>

invective - 1 : an abusive expression or speech

2 : insulting or abusive language : VITUPERATION

reprobate - 1 : to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil

<reprobating the laxity of the age>
2 : to foreordain to damnation
3 : to refuse to accept : REJECT
(adj.) 2 a : foreordained to damnation b : morally corrupt : DEPRAVED
3 : expressing or involving reprobation
4 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a reprobate

foreordain – to dispose or appoint in advance: PREDESTINE

disapprobation - the act or state of disapproving : the state of being

disapproved : CONDEMNATION

philippic - (n) a discourse or declamation full of bitter

condemnation : TIRADE

---------------------------------------------------

indoctrinate – TEACH; to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion,

point of view, or principle

imbue - to permeate or influence as if by dyeing <the spirit that imbues the

new constitution>

indolence – LAZINESS
bogart - 1 : BULLY, INTIMIDATE <activists bogarted their way into the…offices
— Sarah Ferguson>

2 : to use or consume without sharing <bogart a joint>

amiable – agreeable

complaisant - 1 : marked by an inclination to please or oblige

 12

2 : tending to consent to others' wishes

ogdoad – group of eight <Nun, his female counterpart Naunet, and three
further pairs together formed the Ogdoad (group of eight gods) of Hermopolis.
– Encyclopedia Britannica on “Nun” (Egyptian God)>

oddment – something left over :REMNANT <What is vastly more significant,

however, than these oddments of technological history is the minute
subdivision of productive skills and their transmission from father to son in
populations adequate to the demand—for iron ore from Noricum, most notably,
or for glass and paper from Alexandria. – Encyclopedia Britannica on ancient
Rome>

FOLLOWER----------------------------------------

lackey – a servile follower: TOADY <However, the nobles' performance was

hampered by their unfamiliarity with the spirit of bulls from other areas,
causing their lackeys (assistants on foot)—who daringly maneuvered the bulls
by dragging capes before the animals—to gain greater experience and fame.
Encyclopedia Britannica on “bullfighting”>

toady – sychophant

epigone - FOLLOWER, DISCIPLE; also : an inferior imitator

acolyte - one who attends or assists : FOLLOWER

--------------------------------------------------------

augury – divination from auspices or omens

 13

portent – (n)something that foreshadows a coming event : OMEN, SIGN

portend – (vt) 1 : to give an omen or anticipatory sign of
2 : INDICATE, SIGNIFY

divination - 1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future

events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or
by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception –

cartomancy – fortune telling using a pack of cards

necromancy - form of divination in which the practitioner seeks to summon

"operative spirits" or "spirits of divination"

geomancy - method of divination that interprets markings on the ground or

the patterns formed by tossed handfuls of soil, rocks, or sand.

clairvoyance - 1 : the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to

the senses
2 : ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception :
PENETRATION

pyromancy – divination by means of fire

 14

wretched - 1 : deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind

2 : extremely or deplorably bad or distressing <was in wretched health> <a

wretched accident>

3 a : being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible <dressed in

wretched old clothes> b : very poor in quality or ability : INFERIOR
<wretched workmanship>

afflict – (vt) distress; TROUBLE

occlude - to close up or block off : OBSTRUCT <a thrombus occluding a

coronary artery><There’s evidence of occlusion due to dirt in the nose and the
mouth indicating the dirt has been inhaled>;

delude – DECEIVE, TRICK

scatology - 1 : interest in or treatment of obscene matters especially in

literature: TOLIET HUMOR
2 : the biologically oriented study of excrement (as for taxonomic
purposes or for the determination of diet)

eschatology - 1 : a branch of theology concerned with

the final events in the history of the world or of mankind
 15

sardonic - disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a

sardonic comment> <his sardonic expression>

disdain – noun a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as

unworthy or inferior : SCORN
transitive verb 1 : to look on with scorn *disdained him as a coward*
2 : to refuse or abstain from because of disdain *disdained to answer their
questions*
3 : to treat as beneath one's notice or dignity
synonyms see DESPISE

communiqué – bulletin - a brief public notice issuing usually from an

authoritative source; specifically : a brief news item intended for immediate
publication or broadcast <…no communiqué was issued at the end of the
meeting – Tintin and the Picaros>

coiffure –
coiffeur - man who is a HAIRDRESSER

coffer - 1 : CHEST; especially : STRONGBOX

2 : TREASURY, FUNDS — usually used in plural
3 : a recessed panel in a vault, ceiling, or soffit
(vt.) to store or hoard up in a coffer
 16

chattel - 1 : an item of tangible movable or immovable property

except real estate and things (as buildings) connected with real property
2 : SLAVE, BONDSMAN

The chattel slavery of Africans for over 500 years serves as one of the saddest
commentaries on man’s inhumanity to man. 

manumit – (vt) free from slavery <A manumitted slave became, in most
instances, not only free but also a citizen. Britannica on Roman law>

penury - 1 : a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money);

especially : severe poverty
2 : extreme and often niggardly frugality

frugal - characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources

pinchbeck – something counterfeit or spurious <The finest were made of gold;

cheaper ones of a yellow alloy were named pinchbeck, after the inventor of the
material. – Britannica on chatelaine>

chatelaine - 1 a : the wife of a castellan : the mistress of a chateau b : the

mistress of a household or of a large establishment
2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys

castellan - a governor or warden of a castle or fort

pestiferous - 1 : dangerous to society : PERNICIOUS

2 a : carrying or propagating infection : PESTILENTIAL b : infected with
a pestilential disease
3 : TROUBLESOME, ANNOYING
<Also found are the scavenging dung beetle, myriads of butterflies, moths, and
caterpillars, and the pestiferous locust that once plagued the landscape but has
 17

now been brought under control. - Britannica on animal life from Arabian
Desert>

scourge – whip

repose – to lie at rest; PEACE, TRANQUILITY

cortege - 1 : a train of attendants : RETINUE

2 : PROCESSION; especially : a funeral procession

retinue - a group of retainers or attendants

retainer - 1 a : a person attached or owing service to a household;

especially : SERVANT b : EMPLOYEE
2 : one that retains
3 : a device or structure that holds something in place: as a : the part of a
dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural
teeth b : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially
following orthodontic treatment
1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser
are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a
claim on services when needed

wanton - 2 a : LEWD, BAWDY b : causing sexual excitement : LUSTFUL,

SENSUAL
3 a : MERCILESS, INHUMANE <wanton cruelty> b : having no just foundation
or provocation : MALICIOUS <a wanton attack>

ordain - 1 : to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or

priestly authority
2 a : to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law : ENACT <we the
people…do ordain and establish this Constitution — U.S. Constitution> b :
DESTINE, FOREORDAIN
intransitive verb : to issue an order

prig – THIEF; one who offends or irritates by observance of proprieties (as of

speech or manners) in a pointed manner or to an obnoxious
degree

prude - a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or

decorum; especially : a woman who shows or affects extreme
modesty

prim – 1 a : stiffly formal and proper : DECOROUS b : PRUDISH

2 : NEAT, TRIM <prim hedges>

staid – (adj.) marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint :

SOBER, GRAVE
 18

truculent – ferocious, PUGNACIOUS, quarrelsome

inveterate - 1 : firmly established by long persistence <the inveterate
tendency to overlook the obvious>
2 : confirmed in a habit : HABITUAL <an inveterate liar>

pejorative – disparaging term <Cracker, sometimes white cracker, is a

pejorative term for a white person, mainly used in the Southern United States,
but in recent decades it has entered common usage throughout North America
and in some areas of British society >

dysphemism – (n) the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging

expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one; also : an expression so
substituted

(adj.) dysphemistic
Examples:
1. Fascist (as well as Adolf Hitler, Nazi, etc.) for someone who does not believe
in fascism as such yet advocates harsh laws or the exercise of great power by
central authorities in a government or other organization.

2. Rape or kill for a defeat. For example "That calculus test totally raped me
today!" or the more common "Our team is gonna kill you guys in the next
game"

3. SOS (Shit On Shingle) for any food where something creamy is poured over
something hard. Usually this refers to chipped beef on toast, the dish that first
got its name in military as SOS.

similar words : “Dysphemism” or "malphemism" may be either offensive or

merely humorously deprecating, while “cacophemism” is usually deliberately
offensive. (More recently, the Australian linguist Kate Burridge has coined the
term "orthophemism," to refer to a neutral name or expression.) Dysphemy is
related to "blasphemy," but is less focused in scope, and therefore not directly
synonymous.
 19

shingle - A flat covering element for a roof

impugn \im-ˈpyün\ - 1: to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack

as false or lacking integrity <impugned the defendant's character>

assail - to attack violently with blows or words

stentorian – (adj.) extremely loud <stentorian tones>

tipple - intransitive verb : to drink liquor especially by habit or to excess

transitive verb : to drink (liquor) especially continuously in small
amounts
1 : a place where or an apparatus by which cars (as for coal) are
loaded or emptied

sally – (n)1: an action of rushing or bursting forth ; especially : a SORTIE of

troops from a defensive position to attack the enemy2 a: a brief outbreak :
OUTBURST b: a witty or imaginative saying : QUIP3: a venture or excursion
usually off the beaten track : JAUNT
also: a witty or imaginative saying : QUIP

sortie – (n) 1: a sudden issuing of troops from a defensive position against the
enemy
2: one mission or attack by a single plane
3 a: foray, raid b: excursion, expedition <diving sorties>

foray - to make a raid or brief invasion <forayed into enemy territory>

jaunt – (vi)to make a usually short journey for pleasure; (n)excursion

effusive - marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or

enthusiasm <effusive praise>
 20

vacuous – empty, INANE <my vacuous fiancée – from The Tuxedo>

[NOTE: fiancé – is a man; fiancée – is a woman;

both pronounced same]

inane – insubstantial, empty

verity – quality of being true or real

veracity - 1 : devotion to the truth : TRUTHFULNESS
2 : power of conveying or perceiving truth
3 : conformity with truth or fact : ACCURACY
4 : something true <makes lies sound like veracities>

prevaricate – to deviate from the truth

supercilious - coolly and patronizingly haughty <reacted to their breach

of etiquette with a supercilious smile>

entreat - 2 : (vi)to make an earnest request : PLEAD

(vt) 1 : to plead with especially in order to persuade : ask urgently
<entreated his boss for another chance>

cupidity – 1 : inordinate desire for wealth : AVARICE, GREED

2 : strong desire : LUST

fatidic – of or relating to prophesy

sordid - 1 : marked by baseness or grossness : VILE <sordid motives>

2 a : DIRTY, FILTHY b : WRETCHED, SQUALID

sciolism - a superficial show of learning

scholiast - One of the ancient commentators who annotated the classical

authors.

sagacious - of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment :

DISCERNING <sagacious judge of character>

a priori – from presuppositions and experiences

a posteriori – from observed facts

urbane - notably polite or polished in manner

felo-de-se - 1 : a person who commits suicide or who dies from the effects of
having committed an unlawful malicious act
2 : an act of deliberate self-destruction : SUICIDE
 21

fecund - 1 : fruitful in offspring or vegetation : PROLIFIC

2 : intellectually productive or inventive to a marked degree <a fecund
imagination>

in lieu of – in place of; instead of

vicarious - 1 a : serving instead of someone or something else b : that has

been delegated <vicarious authority>
2 : performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the
benefit or advantage of another : SUBSTITUTIONARY <a vicarious sacrifice>

veneer – (n)1 : a thin sheet of a material: as a : a layer of wood of

superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood
3 : a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, display, or effect :
FACADE, GLOSS

vestige - 1 a (1) : a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something (as an

ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished or lost (2) : the smallest
quantity or trace

venal – PURCHASABLE; MERCENARY

venial – PARDONABLE

vernal - 1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the spring <vernal equinox>

<vernal sunshine>
2 : fresh or new like the spring; also : YOUTHFUL

venereal –1 : of or relating to sexual pleasure or indulgence

2 a : resulting from or contracted during sexual intercourse
<venereal infections>
b : of, relating to, or affected with venereal disease
<a high venereal rate>
c : involving the genital organs <venereal sarcoma>

vouchsafe - 1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending

manner b : to give by way of reply <refused to vouchsafe an explanation>
2 : to grant as a privilege or special favor
synonyms see GRANT

waive - (vt) 2 : to throw away (stolen goods)

4 a : to relinquish voluntarily (as a legal right) <waive a jury trial> b : to
refrain from pressing or enforcing (as a claim or rule) : FORGO <waive the
fee>
5 : to put off from immediate consideration : POSTPONE
6 [influenced by 1wave] : to dismiss with or as if with a wave of the hand
 22

<waived the problem aside>

7 : to place (a ball player) on waivers; also : to release after placing on
waivers

waiver - (n) 1: the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning

a known right, claim, or privilege; also : the legal instrument evidencing such
an act
2 : the act of a club's waiving the right to claim a professional ball player who is
being removed from another club's roster — often used in the phrase on
waivers denoting the process by which a player to be removed from a roster is
made available to other clubs

votive - 1 : consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire <a votive

prayer>
2 : offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion

vindicate – (vt) 2 : AVENGE

3 a : to free from allegation or blame b (1) : CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE (2) :
to provide justification or defense for : JUSTIFY c : to protect from attack or
encroachment : DEFEND
4 : to maintain a right to

exculpate - to clear from alleged fault or guilt

synonyms EXCULPATE, ABSOLVE, EXONERATE, ACQUIT, VINDICATE mean to
free from a charge. EXCULPATE implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a
matter of small importance <exculpating himself from the charge of
overenthusiasm>. ABSOLVE implies a release either from an obligation that
binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or
committing a sin

absolution – noun the act of absolving;

specifically : a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as
in the sacrament of reconciliation)
remit - transitive verb

1 a : to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b : to desist from (an

activity) c : to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : RELAX

2 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b : to refrain from

exacting <remit a tax> c : to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the
penalty> d : to give relief from (suffering)

3 : to submit or refer for consideration, judgment, decision, or action;

specifically : REMAND
 23

4 : to restore or consign to a former status or condition

5 : POSTPONE, DEFER

6 : to send (money) to a person or place especially in payment of a demand,

account, or draft

intransitive verb

1 a : to abate in force or intensity : MODERATE b : to abate symptoms (as of

a disease) for a period

2 : to send money (as in payment)

–remitment \-*mit-m*nt\ noun

–remittable \-*mi-t*-b*l\ adjective

white paper - 1 : a government report on any subject; especially : a British

publication that is usually less extensive than a blue book
2 : a detailed or authoritative report

fulsome - 1 a : characterized by abundance : COPIOUS <describes in

fulsome detail — G. N. Shuster> b : generous in amount, extent, or spirit
<the passengers were fulsome in praise of the plane's crew — Don Oliver> <a
fulsome victory for the far left — Bruce Rothwell>
2 : aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive <fulsome lies and nauseous
flattery — William Congreve> <the devil take thee for a fulsome rogue —
George Villiers>
3 : exceeding the bounds of good taste : OVERDONE <the fulsome chromium
glitter of the escalators dominating the central hall — Lewis Mumford>
4 : excessively complimentary or flattering : EFFUSIVE - (marked by the
expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm <effusive praise>)
<an admiration whose extent I did not express, lest I be thought fulsome — A.
J. Liebling>
effusive – marked by excessive enthusiasm

demagogue - 1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false

claims and promises in order to gain power
2 : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times

rabble-rouser - one that stirs up (as to hatred or violence) the masses of the
people : DEMAGOGUE

annunciate – proclaim
enunciate – express clearly
 24

disquisition - formal inquiry into or discussion of a

subject : DISCOURSE
disquisition - a formal inquiry into or discussion of a
subject : DISCOURSE

Sherlock Holmes

inquest - 1 a : a judicial or official inquiry or examination especially

before a jury <a coroner's inquest> b : a body of people (as a jury)
assembled to hold such an inquiry c : the finding of the jury upon such inquiry
or the document recording it
2 : INQUIRY, INVESTIGATION

inquisition - 1 : the act of inquiring : EXAMINATION

2 : a judicial or official inquiry or examination usually before a jury; also : the
finding of the jury

inquisitor - : one who inquires or makes inquisition; especially

: one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry

dissertation - an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically

: one submitted for a doctorate

shirk - 1 : to go stealthily : SNEAK

2 : to evade the performance of an obligation
transitive verb : AVOID, EVADE <shirk one's duty>

geriatric - 1 a : of or relating to geriatrics or the process of aging b : of,

relating to, or appropriate for elderly people <the geriatric set><forget the
geriatric bat…come join me…>

traduce - 1 : to expose to shame or blame by means of

falsehood and misrepresentation: VILIFY
2 : VIOLATE, BETRAY <traduce a principle of law>
 25

calumny - noun 1 : a misrepresentation intended to harm

another's reputation: SLANDER, ASPERSION

slur - 1 a : an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo : ASPERSION

libel - 1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain

courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought b archaic : a
handbill especially attacking or defaming someone

2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that

conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1) : a statement or
representation published without just cause and tending to expose
another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or
representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous,
treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act,
tort, or crime of publishing such a libel

libelous - constituting or including a libel :

DEFAMATORY <a libelous statement>

aspersion - 1 : a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies

2 a : a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation
<cast aspersions on her integrity> b : the act of making such a charge :
DEFAMATION

asperity - 1 : RIGOR, SEVERITY

2 a : roughness of surface : UNEVENNESS; also : a tiny
projection from a surface b : roughness of sound
3 : roughness of manner or of temper : HARSHNESS <asked with
 26

some asperity just what they were implying>

defamation -

rancor - bitter deep-seated ill will

"preserve...from rancorous envy of the rich"- Aldous Huxley

tracery - Tracery is an architectural term used primarily to describe the

stonework elements that support the glass in a Gothic window. The term
probably derives from the 'tracing floors' on which the complex patterns of late
Gothic windows were laid out.

condominium - 1 a : joint dominion; especially : joint sovereignty by two or

more nations b : a government operating under joint rule
3 a : individual ownership of a unit in a multiunit structure (as an apartment
building) or on land owned in common (as a town house complex); also : a
unit so owned

gunk – filthy sticky or greasy matter

crummy - very poor or inferior : LOUSY <crummy weather> <has a crummy

job><Marla Singer’s crummy apartment – Fight Club>
 27

splice - 1 a : to unite (as two ropes) by interweaving the strands b : to

unite (as lengths of magnetic tape) by overlapping and securing together two
ends

fluster - transitive verb 1 : to make tipsy

2 : to put into a state of agitated confusion : UPSET
intransitive verb : to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner

tipsy - 1 : unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor :

FUDDLED
2 : UNSTEADY, ASKEW <a tipsy angle>

nonplus – (n): a state of bafflement or perplexity : QUANDARY

(vt) to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : PERPLEX

quandary – (n) a state of perplexity or doubt

discomfit - 2 : to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment :

DISCONCERT

disgruntle - to make ill-humored or discontented — usually used as a

participial adj.ective <they were a very disgruntled crew — Flannery
O'Connor>

malfeasance – wrong conduct especially by public official

laud – PRAISE, ACCLAIM

applaud

incumbent – (n)1 : the holder of an office or ecclesiastical benefice

2 : one that occupies a particular position or place
(adj.) 1 : imposed as a duty : OBLIGATORY <incumbent on us to take action>
2 : having the status of an incumbent <the team's incumbent third baseman>;
especially : occupying a specified office

benefice - 1 : an ecclesiastical office to which the revenue from an

endowment is attached
2 : a feudal estate in lands : FIEF

fief - 1 : a feudal estate: FEE

2 : something over which one has rights or exercises control <a politician's
fief>
 28

thane – a feudal lord

amenable - 1 : liable to be brought to account : ANSWERABLE <citizens

amenable to the law>
2 a : capable of submission (as to judgment or test) : SUITED <the data is
amenable to analysis> b : readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperate <a
government not amenable to change> c : WILLING 1 <was amenable to
spending more time at home>
synonyms: RESPONSIBLE, OBEDIENT

haggle - transitive verb 1 : to cut roughly or clumsily : HACK

intransitive verb : BARGAIN, WRANGLE <haggling over the price>

surly - 1 : menacing or threatening in appearance <surly

weather>
comfit - a candy consisting of a piece of fruit, a root (as licorice), a nut, or a
seed coated and preserved with sugar

skullduggery - underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; also : a devious

device or trick

stolid - having or expressing little or no sensibility : UNEMOTIONAL

phlegmatic - 2 : having or showing a slow and stolid

temperament

CENSURE-------------------------------
--------
reprehend - to voice disapproval of : CENSURE
 29

reprehensible - worthy of or deserving reprehension : CULPABLE

lampoon – satire
lambast - 1 : to assault violently : BEAT, WHIP
2 : to attack verbally : CENSURE <critics lambasted his performance>

catechize – catechize(se) - to instruct/question systematically

catechism – oral instruction; set of formal questions put as test

chastise - 1 : to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)

2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE

flay – (vt)1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : SKIN

2 : to criticize harshly : EXCORIATE
 30

excoriate - 1 : to wear off the skin of : ABRADE

2 : to censure scathingly

fulminate - transitive verb : to utter or send out with denunciation

<fulminate a decree>
intransitive verb : to send forth censures or invectives

stricture - 1 a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the

narrowed part b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a
speech sound
2 : something that closely restrains or limits : RESTRICTION <moral
strictures>
3 : an adverse criticism : CENSURE

sardonic - disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a

sardonic comment> <his sardonic expression>
synonyms SARCASTIC, SATIRIC, IRONIC, SARDONIC mean marked by
bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting.
SARCASTIC implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or
ridiculing <a critic known for his sarcastic remarks>.
SATIRIC implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a
satiric look at contemporary society>.
IRONIC implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the
 31

opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government
could always be trusted>.
SARDONIC implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either
verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.

---------------------------------------------------------
--
tripe - 1 : stomach tissue especially of a ruminant (as an ox) used as food
2 : something poor, worthless, or offensive

Gargantua - a gigantic king in Rabelais's Gargantua having

a great capacity for food and drink

gargantuan - tremendous in size, volume, or degree : GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL

<gargantuan waterfalls>

demesne – all the land, not necessarily all contiguous to the manor house,
that was retained by a lord for his own use - as distinguished from land
"alienated" or granted to others (alieni) as freehold tenants.
1 : legal possession of land as one's own

curtilage - a piece of ground (as a yard or

courtyard) within the fence surrounding a house
dishevel - to throw into disorder or disarray

evict - 1 a : to recover (property) from a person by legal process b : to put (a

tenant) out by legal process
2 : to force out : EXPEL <evicted for nonpayment of rent>

imbrue also embrue – (vt) STAIN

If you watch Lean On Me with Morgan Freeman. When he explains the word
imbrue, you will notice that Michelle Bachamn has stolen parts of his speech.
 32

petechia - a minute reddish or purplish spot

containing blood that appears in skin or mucous
membrane as a result of localized hemorrhage

supersede - 1 a : to cause to be set aside b : to force out of use as inferior

2 : to take the place, room, or position of
3 : to displace in favor of another : SUPPLANT

stigma - b : a mark of shame or discredit : STAIN <bore the stigma of

cowardice> c : an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific
diagnostic sign of a disease

TMH mock CAT list

deipnosophist - A person skilled in dinner-table conversation.

 33

exequy - A funeral rite (usually in the plural); the ceremonies of burial;

obsequies; funeral procession.
<But see his exequies fulfilled in Rouen>

obsequy - a funeral or burial rite — usually used in plural

olfaction – the sense of smell

sinistral – left handed

illative - (n)a word (as therefore) or phrase (as as a consequence)

introducing an inference; (adj.) INFERENTIAL

effulgence - radiant splendor : BRILLIANCE

corrida / /BULLFIGHT

hygrophilous - living or growing in moist places

vindictive – vengeful

vicious - 1 : having the nature or quality of vice or immorality : DEPRAVED

2 : DEFECTIVE, FAULTY; also : INVALID
3 : IMPURE, NOXIOUS
4 a : dangerously aggressive : SAVAGE <a vicious dog> b : marked by
violence or ferocity : FIERCE <a vicious fight>
5 : MALICIOUS, SPITEFUL <vicious gossip>
6 : worsened by internal causes that reciprocally augment each other <a
vicious wage-price spiral>

execrable – DETESTABLE <execrable crimes>; very bad: WRETCHED<

execrable hotel food>

inexorable – not to be moved, persuaded; relentless

expiate – to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for

<permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours — Francis
Bacon>

assiduous - marked by careful

unremitting attention or persistent application <an
assiduous book collector> <tended her garden with
assiduous attention>
assiduity - DILIGENCE
 34

remit - 1 a : to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b : to desist

from (an activity) c : to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : RELAX

2 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b : to refrain from

exacting <remit a tax> c : to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the
penalty> d : to give relief from (suffering)

deportment - the manner in which one conducts oneself : BEHAVIOR

deport - 1 : to behave or comport (oneself) especially in accord with a code

2 [Latin deportare] a : to carry away b : to send out of the country by legal
deportation

regiment – (vb) 1 : to form into or assign to a regiment

2 a : to organize rigidly especially for the sake of regulation or control

<regiment an entire country> b : to subject to order or uniformity
regimentation (n)

banns - \ \public announcement especially in church of a proposed

marriage

cacophony – dissonance

Pandemonium (capitalized) – capital of Hell in Milton’s Paradise Lost

pandemonium – TUMULT

tumult - disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar

and confusion of voices: COMMOTION

heirloom - something of special value handed on from one generation to

another

haversack - a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

colligate - 1 : to bind, unite, or group together

2 : to subsume (isolated facts) under a general concept

subsume - to include or place within something larger or more comprehensive

: encompass as a subordinate or component element <red, green, and yellow
are subsumed under the term “color”>

fallow - 1 : left untilled or unsown after plowing

2 : DORMANT, INACTIVE — used especially in the phrase to lie fallow <at this
very moment there are probably important inventions lying fallow — Harper's>

sequester - 1 a : to set apart : SEGREGATE <sequester a jury> b :

SECLUDE, WITHDRAW <widely spaced homes are forbiddingly grand and
sequestered — Don Asher>
 35

3 : to hold (as a metallic ion) in solution usually by inclusion in an appropriate

coordination complex

RIGHTEOUSNESS---------------------------------

rectitude - 1 : the quality or state of being straight (similar to rectify)

2 : moral integrity : RIGHTEOUSNESS
3 : the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure

probity - adherence to the highest principles and ideals : UPRIGHTNESS

improbity - lack of probity; dishonesty

impropriety - 1 : an improper or indecorous act or remark; especially : an

unacceptable use of a word or of language
2 : the quality or state of being improper

remiss - 1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : CARELESS

unscrupulous – UNPRINCIPLED

transcendental - 1 a : TRANSCENDENT 1b b : SUPERNATURAL c :

ABSTRUSE, ABSTRACT d : of or relating to transcendentalism

transcendent –(adj.) surpassing limits; transcending the universe or material

existence — compare IMMANENT

immanent - 1 : INDWELLING, INHERENT <beauty is not something

imposed but something immanent — Anthony Burgess>
2 : being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge — compare
TRANSCENDENT

imminent - ready to take place; especially : hanging threateningly

over one's head <was in imminent danger of being run over>

eminent - 1 : standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted :

CONSPICUOUS
2 : jutting out : PROJECTING
3 : exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or
position : PROMINENT

mercurial - 2 : having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, or thievishness

attributed to the god Mercury or to the influence of the planet Mercury
3 : characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness
of mood <a mercurial temper>
 36

eloquence - 1 : discourse marked by force and persuasiveness; also : the

art or power of using such discourse

grandiloquence - : a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic

style, manner, or quality especially in language

mulct – (n) penalty; fine

(vt) 1 : to punish by a fine
2 a : to defraud especially of money : SWINDLE b : to obtain by fraud,
duress(forcible restriction restraint or compulsion), or theft

muzzle – (n)2 a : a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used

to prevent eating or biting b : something (as censorship) that restrains normal
expression
(vt) RESTRICT, RESTRAIN

prolusion - 1 : a preliminary trial or exercise :

PRELUDE
2 : an introductory and often tentative discourse
3: exercising in preparation for strenuous activity
<in her prolusion she sketches the religious, cultural and
political milieu in which Gnosticism developed>

sunder - transitive verb : to break apart or in two : separate by or as if

by violence or by intervening time or space
intransitive verb : to become parted, disunited, or severed
synonyms see SEPARATE

abet - 1 : to actively second and encourage (as an activity or plan) :

FORWARD
2 : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose <abetted the thief in
 37

his getaway>
synonyms see INCITE

antiquity – ancient times

horologist – maker of watches

horologe – a timekeeping device

hansom - a light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated
behind

hansom cab

noisome – NOXIOUS, HARMFUL

lissome – LITHE, NIMBLE

nimble - agile

limber - (adj.) 1 : capable of being shaped :

FLEXIBLE
2 : having a supple and resilient quality (as of mind or body) : AGILE, NIMBLE
transitive verb : to cause to become limber <limber up his fingers>
intransitive verb : to become limber <limber up by running>

obnoxious - : odiously or disgustingly objectionable : highly offensive

odious – hateful <an odious crime> <a false and odious comparison>

heinous – ABOMINABLE, DETESTABLE

decollate – behead

collate – compare critically, verify order of printed sheets

collation – (n) a light meal

decoct - 1 : to extract the flavor of by boiling
2 : BOIL DOWN, CONCENTRATE
 38

flaxen – made of flax (fiber of flax plant)

collogue - to talk privately : CONFER

mihrab - a niche or chamber in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca

Mikado – an emperor of Japan

middling - MEDIOCRE, SECOND-RATE

phoneme - any of the abstract units of the phonetic system of a language that
correspond to a set of similar speech sounds

balustrade - 1 : a row of balusters topped by a rail

2 : a low parapet or barrier

baluster - 1 : an object or vertical member (as the leg of a table, a

round in a chair back, or the stem of a glass) having a vaselike or turned
outline
2 : an upright often vase-shaped support for a rail
 39

adjunct - 1 : something joined or added to another thing but not

essentially a part of it

adjuvant - 1 : serving to aid or contribute : AUXILIARY

2 : assisting in the prevention, amelioration, or cure of disease *adjuvant
chemotherapy following surgery*
(n) one that helps or facilitates

premise - a proposition antecedently supposed or proved as a basis of

argument or inference;

antecedent – PRIOR;

APPEASE----------------------------------------
--
assuage – ease, pacify, quiet, appease

propitiatory - 1 : intended to propitiate :

EXPIATORY (expiate – make amends for)
2 : of or relating to propitiation

propitiation is appeasing or making well disposed (from Latin propitiāre,

[1]
to appease, from propitius, gracious), especially a deity, thus incurring divine
favor or avoiding Divine retribution.
 40

propitiate - to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of :

APPEASE, CONCILIATE

Propitiating the gods

mollify - transitive verb

1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE *mollified the staff with a
raise*
2 : to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN
3 : to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
intransitive verb , archaic : SOFTEN, RELENT
synonyms see PACIFY
PACIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, MOLLIFY, PROPITIATE, CONCILIATE mean to ease
the anger or disturbance of.
PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming <pacified by a sincere apology>.
APPEASE implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions <appease
their territorial ambitions>.
PLACATE suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill <a move to
placate local opposition>.
MOLLIFY implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger <a speech that
mollified the demonstrators>.
PROPITIATE implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a
superior being <propitiated his parents by dressing up>. CONCILIATE suggests
ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences
<conciliating the belligerent nations>.
------------------------------------------------------------------
--
 41

expiate – (vt) 2 a : to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for

<permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours — Francis
Bacon>

atone – transitive 2 : to supply satisfaction for : EXPIATE —used in the

passive voice with for <a crime that must be atoned for>
intransitive verb : to make amends <atone for sins>

gadfly - 1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or
annoy livestock
2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism

THM Mock CAT 2

interlope - 1 : to encroach on the rights (as in trade) of others

2 : INTRUDE, INTERFERE

licentious - 1 : lacking legal or moral restraints; especially :

disregarding sexual restraints
2 : marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness

quaver - 1 : TREMBLE
2 : TRILL
3 : to utter sound in tremulous tones
transitive verb : to utter quaveringly
 42

tremulous - 1 : characterized by or affected with trembling or tremors

2 : affected with timidity : TIMOROUS
timorous - 1 : of a timid disposition : FEARFUL <reproached myself with
being so timorous and cautious — Daniel Defoe>
2 : expressing or suggesting timidity <proceed with doubtful and timorous
steps — Edward Gibbon>

dogmatic - 1 : characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very

strongly or positively as if they were facts <a dogmatic critic>
2 : of or relating to dogma

dogma noun dog·ma | \ ˈdȯg-mə  , ˈdäg- \
plural  dogmas  also  dogmata\ ˈdȯg-mə-tə  , ˈdäg- \
1a: something held as an established opinion especially : a definite
authoritative tenet
b: a code of such tenets <pedagogical dogma>
c: a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds
2: a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated
and authoritatively proclaimed by a church

gammon – (n) talk intended to deceive

intransitive verb 1 : to talk gammon
2 : PRETEND, FEIGN
transitive verb : DECEIVE, FOOL

pretension - 1 : an allegation of doubtful value : PRETEXT

2 : a claim or an effort to establish a claim
4 : an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has
serious literary pretensions>
5 : VANITY, PRETENTIOUSNESS
syn. AMBITIOUS

pretext - a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in

order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs
<on the pretext of>
synonyms APOLOGY, APOLOGIA, EXCUSE, PLEA, PRETEXT, ALIBI

daub - 1 : to cover or coat with soft adhesive matter : PLASTER

2 : to coat with a dirty substance
bedaub – smear with paint

mesalliance - \ \ a marriage with a person of inferior social

position

duress - 1 : forcible restraint or restriction

2 : compulsion by threat; specifically : unlawful constraint
 43

In jurisprudence, duress or coercion refers to a situation whereby a person

performs an act as a result of violence, threat or other pressure against the
person. Black's Law Dictionary (6th ed.) defines duress as "any unlawful threat
or coercion used... to induce another to act [or not act] in a manner [they]
otherwise would not [or would]".

1. He gave the information under duress.

2. <complied with the order only under duress>
draconian - 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of
laws held to have been framed by him
2 : CRUEL; also : SEVERE <draconian littering fines>

bludgeon – (n) club like weapon; (vt) BULLY

joie de vivre - keen or buoyant enjoyment of life; JOY OF LIVING; In English
common usage, the phrase is sometimes corrupted to joie de vie. [2] This would
translate to "joy of life" or "zest for life," rather than the more affirmative "joy
of living." Joie de vive is another common spelling error.
< Eduard von Grützner's depiction of Falstaff, a literary character well known
for his joie de vivre>

carpe diem – seize the day

pathos - 1 : an element in experience or in artistic representation

evoking pity or compassion
2 : an emotion of sympathetic pity

bathos - ANTICLIMAX

resound - 1 : to become filled with sound : REVERBERATE

2 a : to sound loudly <the gunshot resounded>
1 : to extol loudly or widely : CELEBRATE

pinnate - resembling a feather especially in having similar parts arranged on

opposite sides of an axis like the barbs on the rachis of a feather <a pinnate
leaf>

palmate - : resembling a hand with the fingers spread: as a : having lobes

radiating from a common point <a palmate leaf>
 44

forms of leaf 1a(1): 1 needle-shaped, 2 linear, 3 lanceolate, 4 elliptical,

5 ensiform, 6 oblong, 7 oblanceolate
with acuminate tip, 8 ovate with acute tip, 9 obovate, 10 spatulate, 11
fiddle-shaped, 12 cuneate, 13 deltoid, 14 cordate, 15 reniform, 16
orbiculate, 17 runcinate, 18 lyrate, 19 peltate, 20 hastate, 21
sagittate, 22 oddodd-pinnate, 23 abruptly pinnate, 24 trifoliolate, 25,
26 palmate

peltate – shaped like a shield

pectinal – resembling a comb

orb - 1 : any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth
and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions
3 : a spherical body; especially : a spherical celestial object
4 : EYE
5 : a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice
 45

palliate - 1 : to reduce the violence of (a disease); also : to

ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease
2 : to cover by excuses and apologies

<My head was throbbing so bad that I had to put some ice on it to palliate the
headache. >

Knesset – the legislative branch of the Israeli government (unicameral)

diet – Japan’s bicameral legislature (Sessions of the House of Representatives

take place in the left wing and sessions of the House of Councillors in the right
wing.)

bicameral - having, consisting of, or based on two legislative chambers <a

bicameral legislature>

ombudsman - a government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) appointed

to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or
capricious acts of public officials; a person who acts as a trusted intermediary
between an organization and some external constituency

plutolatry - an excessive devotion to wealth.

pyrolatry – worship of fire

bardolatry – excessive adulation of Shakespeare

ophiolatry – worship of snakes

colubrine - of, relating to, or resembling a snake

 46

psittacine – relating to parrots

pagurian - Any one of a tribe of anomuran crustaceans, of which Pagurus is a

type; the hermit crab

lupine –WOLFISH

vulpine – FOXY

corvine - (adj.) of or relating to the crows : resembling a crow

unassuming - exhibiting no pretensions, boastfulness, or ostentation; modest

(from “Gift of the Magi”)

pisiform - resembling a pea in size or shape

galore - ABUNDANT, PLENTIFUL — used postpositively <bargains galore>

seam – (n)1 a : the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing
usually near the edge b : the stitching used in such a joining
(vt) to join by sewing

-ferrous(suffix) – producing

melliferous – producing honey

mellifluous - 1 : having a smooth rich flow <a mellifluous voice>

2 : filled with something (as honey) that sweetens

nom de plume – PSEUDONYM, PEN NAME

nom de guerre -\ \PSEUDONYM

slake - SATISFY, QUENCH <slake your thirst> <will slake your curiosity>
HYDRATE; CRUMBLE

scruple – (n)1 : an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action

(vi) to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : HESITATE
(n) 2 : a minute part or quantity : IOTA

SCRUPLE implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle <no

scruples against buying stolen goods>.
 47

equerry - \ \an officer of a prince or noble charged with the care of

horses

divest – RID, FREE; to take away from a person <was divested of his manly
qualities>

plumb – (n)a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical
direction
(vt)to measure the depth of with a plumb
b : to examine minutely and critically <plumbing the book's complexities>

THM Mock CAT 3

exiguous - excessively scanty : INADEQUATE <wrest an exiguous

existence from the land> <exiguous evidence>

wrest - 1 : to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting

movements
2 : to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor

1. to twist or turn; pull, jerk, or force by a violent twist.

2. to take away by force: <to wrest a knife from a child>
3. to get by effort:< to wrest a living from the soil>
to twist or turn from the proper course, application, use, meaning,
4.
or the like; wrench.
–noun
5. a wresting; twist or wrench.
a key or small wrench for tuning stringed musical instruments, as
6. the harp or piano, by turning the pins to which the strings are
fastened.
foster - 1 : to give parental care to : NURTURE
2 : to promote the growth or development of : ENCOURAGE <fostered the
college in its early years>
 48

subvert - 1 : to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : RUIN

2 : to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith

vandalism - willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private

property

couchant - lying down especially with the head up

lying on the stomach with head raised with legs pointed forward<a heraldic lion
couchant>

genealogy – study of family pedigrees

rampant - 1 a : rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended

2 a : marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint
<rampant rumors> b : profusely widespread <rampant weeds>
 49

gregarious - 1 a : tending to associate with others of one's kind : SOCIAL b :

marked by or indicating a liking for companionship : SOCIABLE

FAVORABLE--------------------------------
--
propitious - 1 : favorably disposed : BENEVOLENT
2 : being a good omen : AUSPICIOUS <propitious sign>
3 : tending to favor : ADVANTAGEOUS

1. Now is a propitious time to start a business.

2. <the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start
for the summer season of blockbusters>

<Many people fight against senescence. They believe advanced age to be a

most un-propitious state.>
synonyms see FAVORABLE
 50

salubrious - favorable to or promoting health or well-being <salubrious

habits>

genial - 3 a : favorable to growth or comfort : MILD <genial sunshine> b :

marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness <your genial host>

congenial – GENIAL, SOCIALBLE; KINDRED

prepossessing - 2 : tending to create a favorable impression :

ATTRACTIVE
Interview with Ed Asner on EW: http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/20/ed-asner-interview-up-
sequel/. He used it twice. First use:< "To play a national icon like Warren Buffett and to work with
[director] Curtis Hanson, I leaped at the chance. The role is not prepossessing, but it’s my first time
on HBO, so I liked that.>

-------------------------
-
exiguous - : excessively scanty : INADEQUATE <wrest an exiguous
existence from the land> <exiguous evidence>

transcend – (vt) 1 a : to rise above or go beyond the

limits of b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive
aspects of : OVERCOME
 51

transcendent – (adj.)1 a : exceeding usual limits : SURPASSING b :

extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience

transcendental – abstract; abstruse

blanch - transitive verb : to take the color out of: as a : to bleach by

excluding light b : to scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the
skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (as food for freezing)
intransitive verb : to become white or pale

blench - (vi.) to draw back or turn aside from lack of courage :

FLINCH
(v) BLEACH, WHITEN

scald - 1 : to burn with or as if with hot liquid or steam

2 a : to subject to the action of boiling water or steam

parboil - to boil briefly as a preliminary or incomplete cooking procedure

platitude – banality

conviction - 3 a : a strong persuasion or belief b : the state of being

convinced
synonyms see CERTAINTY, OPINION

TKO - TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT

sultry - 1 a : very hot and humid : SWELTERING <a sultry day> b :

burning hot : TORRID <a sultry sun>
2 a : hot with passion or anger b : exciting or capable of exciting strong sexual
desire <sultry glances><sultry saxophone plays>

relucent – (adj.) SHINING

vignette - 1 : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and

grapes) put on or just before a title page or at the beginning or end of a
chapter; also : a small decorative design or picture so placed
(vt) to describe briefly
 52

viticulture - the cultivation or culture of grapes especially for wine making

billingsgate - coarsely abusive language

Situated now in East London, Billingsgate Fish Market is the United

Kingdom's largest inland fish market. It takes its name from Billingsgate, a
ward in the south-east of the City of London, where the riverside market was
originally established. In its original location in the 1800s, Billingsgate was the
largest fish market in the world.
The infamously coarse language of London fishmongers made "Billingsgate" a
byword for crude or vulgar language.
 53

Interior of Billingsgate Fish Market

colophon - A colophon, in publishing can refer to:

 A brief description, usually located at the end of a book, describing

production notes relevant to the edition
 A printer's mark or logotype

ideogram – a graphic symbol that represents an idea or concept

effluent - flowing out : EMANATING, OUTGOING <an effluent river>

effluvium - 1 : an invisible emanation; especially : an offensive exhalation

or smell
2 : a by-product especially in the form of waste

cacography - 1 : bad spelling — compare ORTHOGRAPHY

2 : bad handwriting — compare CALLIGRAPHY
caco – bad?

orthography - a part of language study that deals with letters and spelling
ortho- - straight; upright; vertical
 54

despondent - feeling or showing extreme discouragement,

dejection, or depression <despondent about his health>

sorority – a club of women

chamfer - A chamfer is a beveled edge connecting two surfaces. If the

surfaces are at right angles, the chamfer will typically be symmetrical at 45
degrees.
A fillet is the rounding off of an interior corner. A rounding of an exterior
corner is called a "round"[1] or a "radius".

bevel – OBLIQUE

bevel gears

indent - 1 a : to divide (a document) so as to produce sections with irregular

edges that can be matched for authentication b : to draw up (as a deed) in two
or more exactly corresponding copies
2 : to notch the edge of : make jagged

indenture - 1 a (1) : a document or a section of a document that is

indented (2) : a formal or official document usually executed in two or more
copies (3) a contract binding one person to work for another for a given
period of time — often used in plural
 55

complacence - 1 : calm or secure satisfaction with oneself or one's lot :

SELF-SATISFACTION
complacent – SELF SATISFIED; UNCONCERNED <complacent about how
dangerous this really is>

pronounced same

complaisance - disposition to please or comply : AFFABILITY

complaisant - AMIABLE

disposition – temperamental makeup

affable - 1 : being pleasant and at ease in talking to others *an affable host*

2 : characterized by ease and friendliness *an affable manner*

instate - To establish in office; install.

<the new secretary of the treasury was instated on Monday>
anosmia - loss or impairment of the sense of smell

smug – SOUTH PARK – smug alert!!!!

 56

lassitude - fatigue

hoodwink - to deceive by false appearance : DUPE

tendentious - marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view :
BIASED
tendency

incipient - beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.

Synonyms: beginning, nascent, developing

ineluctable - not to be avoided, changed, or

resisted : INEVITABLE <an ineluctable fate>
adagio – slow tempo; a ballet duet by a man and woman or a mixed trio
displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning

minuet - 1 : a slow graceful dance in 3/4 time characterized by forward

balancing, bowing, and toe pointing
2 : music for or in the rhythm of a minuet
 57

flamenco - 1 : a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusian Gypsies;

also : a dance in flamenco style

Andalusia - region S Spain including Sierra Nevada & valley of the

Guadalquivir

runt – smallest of a litter of pigs

stairwell - a vertical shaft in which stairs are located

TMH Mock CAT 4

nexus – connection, link; connected group or series; center, focus

stirrup - used as a support for the foot of a rider when seated in the saddle
and as an aid in mounting

stirrup
 58

corrade - \ \ transitive verb : to wear away by abrasion

intransitive verb : to crumble away through abrasion

corral \ \ 1 : a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock

2 : an enclosure made with wagons for defense of an encampment

paddock - 1 a : a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or

exercising animals; especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled
and paraded before a race

morbid - 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of disease <morbid anatomy>;

GRISLY, GRUESOME

concupiscence - strong desire; especially : sexual desire

EXPLAIN----------------
expository - of, relating to, or containing exposition:
EXPLANATORY <expository writing>

exposition – setting forth of the meaning or purpose

expository – EXPLANATORY

explicate - 1 : to give a detailed explanation of

2 : to develop the implications of : analyze logically

construe - 1 : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a

sentence or sentence part)
2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of usually in a particular way
or with respect to a given set of circumstances: INTERPRET <construed my
actions as hostile>
intransitive verb : to construe a sentence or sentence part especially in
connection with translating
 59

annunciate – proclaim
<Second Wave civilization now had at its command a theory of causality that
seemed miraculous in its power and wide applicability. Much that hitherto had
seemed complex could be reduced to simple explanatory formulae. Nor were
these laws or rules to be accepted simply because Newton or Marx or someone
laid them down. They could be validated. Using them, we could build bridges,
send waves into the sky, predict and retrodict biological change; we could
manipulate the economy, organise political movements or machines, and
even--so they claimed--foresee and shape the behaviour of the ultimate
individual.>

retrodict - to utilize present information or ideas to infer or explain

(a past event or state of affairs) <retrodict past eclipses>

interdict – (n) 2 : a prohibitory decree (order

usually having the force of law)
(vt) 1 : to lay under or prohibit by an interdict
3 a : to destroy, damage, or cut off (as an enemy line
of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy b
: INTERCEPT 2a <interdict drug shipments>
edict - 1 : a proclamation having the force of law
2 : ORDER, COMMAND <we held firm to Grandmother's edict — M. F. K.
Fisher>

edify - 2 : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious

knowledge : UPLIFT; also : ENLIGHTEN, INFORM

edifice - 1 : BUILDING; especially : a large or massive structure

2 : a large abstract structure <holds together the social edifice — R. H.
Tawney>

interdict – (n) a prohibitory decree

(v) PROHIBIT, FORBID (in an authoritative manner)
3 a : to destroy, damage, or cut off (as an enemy line of supply) by
firepower to stop or hamper an enemy
 60

The interdict also demands that we remove our Tweets and Facebook
updates carrying pictures of protesters dressed as polar bears - and that
we retract photographs issued to national newspapers.

b : INTERCEPT <interdict drug shipments>

Pelosi: It’s Cheaper to Treat Teens for Drug Use Than

Interdict Drugs at Border
ukase - 1 : a proclamation by a Russian emperor or government
having the force of law
 61

2 : EDICT

diktat - 1 : a harsh settlement unilaterally imposed (as on a

defeated nation)
2 : DECREE, ORDER

ordinance - 1 a : an authoritative decree or direction : ORDER

 62

both pronounced same

ordnance - 1 a : military supplies including weapons,

ammunition…

sanction - 1 : a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree

2 a obsolete : a solemn agreement : OATH b : something that makes an
oath binding
3 : the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a
violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law
4 a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to
moral action or determines moral judgment b : a mechanism of social control
for enforcing a society's standards c : explicit or official approval, permission,
or ratification : APPROBATION
5 : an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several
nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or
yield to adjudication
transitive verb: 1 : to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as
ratification)
2 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
synonyms see APPROVE

approbation - 2 a : an act of approving formally or

officially b : COMMENDATION, PRAISE

synonyms APPROVE, ENDORSE, SANCTION, ACCREDIT, CERTIFY mean to have

or express a favorable opinion of.

APPROVE often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable
esteem or admiration <the parents approve of the marriage>.

ENDORSE suggests an explicit statement of support <publicly endorsed her for

Senator>.

SANCTION implies both approval and authorization <the President sanctioned

covert operations>.

ACCREDIT and CERTIFY usually imply official endorsement attesting to

conformity to set standards <the board voted to accredit the college> <must
be certified to teach>.

ratify - to approve and sanction formally : CONFIRM <ratify a treaty>

 63

POSTULATE----------------------------
-
expostulate - intransitive verb : to reason earnestly with a
person for purposes of dissuasion(act of advising against) or remonstrance

postulate - to assume or affirm the existence of

remonstrate - intransitive verb : to present and urge reasons

in opposition : EXPOSTULATE — usually used with with
transitive verb : to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition

dissuade - 1 a : to advise (a person) against something b

archaic : to advise against (an action)
2 : to turn from something by persuasion <unable to dissuade him from
going>

posit - 1 : to dispose or set firmly : FIX

2 : to assume or affirm the existence of : POSTULATE
3 : to propose as an explanation : SUGGEST

1908: ARISTOTLE. Metaphysics. Translated by W. D. Ross.,

Book 1, Part 5.
some who posit both this cause and besides this the source of
movement, which we have got from some as single and from other as
twofold.

<…to posit an explanation of the unrestricted law is to…>

 64

gloss - 1 a : a brief explanation (as in the margin or between the lines of a

text)

exegesis - EXPOSITION, EXPLANATION; especially : an

explanation or critical interpretation of a text

exegetical (also exegetic)- of or relating to exegesis :

EXPLANATORY <an exegetical text>
exegete - one who practices exegesis

annotate - intransitive verb : to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes

or comment
transitive verb : to make or furnish annotations for (as a literary work or
subject)

caveat - 1 a : a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices b : an

explanation to prevent misinterpretation

----------------------------------------------
oppugn - (vt.)1: to fight against
2: to call in question

SYNONYMS: agitate, argue, clamor, combat, contend, contest,

dispute, feud, oppugn , skirmish, strive, tug, war, wrestle
to impugn  is to dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of; to oppugn  is to
dispute the truth or validity of, to strive against

impugn - 1 : to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or

lacking integrity <impugned the defendant's character>
to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.

 1859 — John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

Let the opinions impugned be the belief in a God and in a future
state, or any of the commonly received doctrines of morality.

 1864 — Abraham Lincoln, Fourth State of the Union Address

There have been much impugning of motives and much heated
controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing
the Union cause.

 1872 — Benjamin Disraeli, Conservative Principles

At home, at a period of immense prosperity, with a people
contented and naturally loyal, we find to our surprise the most
extravagant doctrines professed and the fundamental principles of
our most valuable institutions impugned, and that too by persons
 65

of some authority.

 1889 — Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,

ch. xxv
It is a hardy question, fair sir and Boss, since it doth go far to
impugn the wisdom of even our holy Mother Church herself.

 1922 — Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Chessmen of Mars, ch. 21

He is not dead. When he revives he will return to his quarters with
a fine tale of his bravery and there will be none to impugn his
boasts.

impunity - exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss <laws

were flouted with impunity>< no one attacks me with impunity – motto of
Scotland>
<There is no kind of harassment that a man may not inflict on a woman with
impunity in civilized societies. Diderot, Denis>

upholstery - materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft
covering especially for a seat

saddler - one that makes, repairs, or sells saddles and other furnishings for
horses

cognoscente - \ \a person who has expert knowledge in a

subject : CONNOISSEUR

gourmet - a connoisseur of food and drink; broadly : CONNOISSEUR 2

*a film gourmet*
2 : one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine

synonyms EPICURE, GOURMET, GOURMAND, GASTRONOME mean one who

takes pleasure in eating and drinking. EPICURE implies fastidiousness and
voluptuousness of taste. GOURMET implies being a connoisseur in food and
drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them. GOURMAND implies a hearty
appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a
gourmet's. GASTRONOME implies that one has studied extensively the history
and rituals of haute cuisine

eurythmic – HARMONIOUS
eurythmics - the art of harmonious bodily movement especially through
expressive timed movements in response to improvised music
 66

HARSH----------------------
brusque - 1 : markedly short and abrupt
2 : blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness

acrimony - harsh or biting sharpness especially of

words, manner, or disposition

1. The dispute began again with increased acrimony.

2. <she responded with such acrimony that he never
brought the subject up again>

raucous - 1 : disagreeably harsh or strident : HOARSE <raucous

voice>
2 : boisterously disorderly <a…raucous frontier town — Truman Capote>

strident - characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound

<a strident voice>; also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive
quality <strident slogans>

truculent - 1 : feeling or displaying ferocity : CRUEL, SAVAGE

2 : DEADLY, DESTRUCTIVE
3 : scathingly harsh : VITRIOLIC <truculent criticism>
4 : aggressively self-assertive : BELLIGERENT, PUGNACIOUS
 67

dour – (adj.) 1 : STERN, HARSH

2 : OBSTINATE, UNYIELDING

3 : GLOOMY, SULLEN
<The man was dour and taciturn>

tirade - a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate,

vituperative, or harshly censorious language
“extended scolding”

CRABBED applies to a forbidding morose harshness of manner

<the school's notoriously crabbed headmaster>.

taciturn - : temperamentally disinclined to talk

synonyms : SILENT

reticent - inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED

numerable – capable of being counted

champion - 2 : a militant advocate or defender <a champion of civil rights>

3 : one that does battle for another's rights or honor <God will raise me up a
champion — Sir Walter Scott>

pistole - \ \ an old gold 2-escudo piece of Spain; also : any of several

old gold coins of Europe of approximately the same value

sabreur - (fencing) A fencer who fights with a sabre.

pervasive - : pervading or tending to pervade <a pervasive odor>

pervade - to become diffused throughout every part of

poignant – PIERCING, TOUCHING, pungently pervasive <a poignant

perfume><poignant satire>

retroversion - the tipping backward of an entire organ or part.

 68

anteversion

panacea – remedy for all ills

remit - 1 a : to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b : to desist

from (an activity) c : to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : RELAX
2 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b : to refrain from
exacting <remit a tax> c : to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the
penalty>; POSTPONE, DEFER

remission – the act or process of remitting

defer – put off, delay

desist – to cease to proceed or act

disintermediation - the diversion of savings from accounts with low fixed

interest rates to direct investment in high-yielding instruments

caudate - having a tail or a tail like appendage

quiescent - 1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest

2 : causing no trouble or symptoms <quiescent gallstones>

demerara - \ \a coarse light-brown raw sugar

demure – MODEST

demur – (vi) 2 : to file a demurrer

3 : to take exception : OBJECT — often used with to or at
1 : hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usually based on doubt of the
acceptability of something offered or proposed
2 : the act or an instance of objecting : PROTEST

demurrer - 1 : a response in a court proceeding in which the defendant does

not dispute the truth of the allegation but claims it is not sufficient grounds to
justify legal action
2 : OBJECTION
 69

demurrage - 1 : the detention of a ship by the freighter beyond the

time allowed for loading, unloading, or sailing
2 : a charge for detaining a ship, freight car, or truck

halieutic - Of or pertaining to fishing

distaff – (n)1 a : a staff for holding the flax, tow, or wool in spinning b :
woman's work or domain
2 : the female branch or side of a family
(adj.) 1 : MATERNAL 2 <the distaff side of the family> — compare SPEAR
2 : FEMALE 1 <distaff executives>

distaff 1a D, and spindle S

TMH Mock CAT 5

corroborate - \ \ to support with evidence or authority : make

more certain

resilient - capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or

rupture: ELASTIC

hardihood - 1 a : resolute courage and fortitude b : resolute and self-assured

audacity often carried to the point of impudent insolence
2 : VIGOR, ROBUSTNESS
 70

fortitude - 1 : strength of mind that enables a

person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity
with courage
insolent - 1 : insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct : OVERBEARING
2 : exhibiting boldness or effrontery : IMPUDENT

overbearing – overpowering; DOMINANT; arrogant; proud

browbeat – (vt) to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant

speech : BULLY

overweening - 1 : ARROGANT, PRESUMPTUOUS

2 : IMMODERATE, EXAGGERATED

peremptory - 1 a : putting an end to or precluding a

right of action, debate, or delay; specifically : not providing an
opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a peremptory
mandamus> b : admitting of no contradiction
2 : expressive of urgency or command <a peremptory call>
3 a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance <how
insolent of late he is become, how proud, how peremptory —
Shakespeare> b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature :
HAUGHTY <a peremptory tone> <peremptory disregard of an
objection>

synonyms MASTERFUL, DOMINEERING, IMPERIOUS, PEREMPTORY,

IMPERATIVE mean tending to impose one's will on others.
MASTERFUL implies a strong personality and ability to act
authoritatively <her masterful personality soon dominated the
movement>.