Vocabulary Workshop Level H Unit 1

adjunct

something added to something else as helpful or useful, but not essential

bellwether

the male sheep that leads the flock to the slaughterhouse; an indicator of trends

caterwaul

to howl or screech like a cat; to quarrel

chimerical

absurd, wildly fantastic, impossible

effete

lacking in wholesome vigor or energy; worn-out

fait accompli

an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed, fact, or action

hidebound

narrow-minded and rigid

hierarchy

any system of things or people arranged one above another in order of rank, wealth, class.. etc.

liturgy

a religious service or rite

laissez-faire

a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference, especially with individual freedom of choice or action

morass

a swamp; a confusing situation in which one is entrapped, as in quicksand

noisome

offensive or disgusting

oblivious

forgetful; unaware

poltroon

a base coward

proselyte

a covert; a disciple

quasi

resembling but not actually being; semi

raillery

good-humored ridicule; persiflage

ribald

irreverently mocking; vulgar

supine

lying flat on one's back; lethargic, apathetic, passive

vignette

a short description or sketch