TFA Vocab ch. 1-4

harmattan

n. – A dry, dusty easterly or northeasterly wind on the West African coast, occurring from December to February

improvident

adj. – Not having or showing foresight

haggard

adj. – Looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering

kite

n. – A medium-to-large long-winged bird of prey that typically has a forked tail and frequently soars on updrafts of air

plaintive

adj. – Sounding sad or mournful

mirth

n. – Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter

trill

n. – A quavering or vibratory sound

imperious

 adj. – Assuming power or authority without justification

capricious

adj. – Prone to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

incipient

adj. – In the initial stage; beginning to develop

malevolent

adj. – Having or showing a wish to do evil to others

dregs

n. – Remnants of liquid left in a container __**or**__ metaphorically, the most worthless part of something

sisal

n. – An agave plant with large fleshy leaves, cultivated for fiber production

brusqueness

n. – A manner characterized by bluntness and curtness in speech or action

atone

v. – To make amends or reparation

plait

n. – A braid (or as v. ‘to braid’)

repentant

adj. – Expressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse

valediction

n. – A goodbye

deftly

adv. – Skillfully, dexterously

exacting

adj. – Making great demands on one's skill or attention

poignant

adj. – Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching