Vocabulary Lesson 60

hallmark

a distinguishing characteristic or trait

conservatory

a greenhouse or place where plants are raised; a school for music and art

repast

a meal

peccadillo

a slight offense, a small fault

balm

a soothing substance or one that gives relief

sieve

a utensil for sifting or straining

obeisance

an attitude of respect; a gesture made in token of respect

rudiment

an essential element or skill, also the early stages of development

urban

having to do with a city or characteristic of a city

monolithic

massive and rigidly fixed uniformly

polemicist

one skilled in argument and in refuting attacks

fountainhead

principal source or origin

demure

serious, reserved, coy

inclement

stormy, severe

expiate

to atone or to make amends for a sin or a crime

tether

to fasten or to confine as with a rope

renege

to go back on one's word

vouchsafe

to grant in a condescending manner

demur

to hesitate, to delay, to object

furrow

to make wrinkles or grooves

juxtapose

to place close together or side by side

propound

to put forth for discussion or analysis

mince

to restrain one's speech or to euphemism in order to show politeness

loiter

to stand idly or to linger aimlessly

jaded

weary from overuse, surfeited