HARLEM RENAISSANCE VOCAB.

denouement

P.O.S - NOUN

final part of a dramatic work, such as a film, story, or play, during which the work's dramatic tension is resolved (from Fr. for "un-tangling")

promiscuous

P.O.S - ADJ

having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships. not selective or random in choice.

staunch

P.O.S - ADJ

firm, loyal, and dependable (usually applied to people)

freemasonry

P.O.S - NOUN

a fraternal organization that uses symbols and allegories, originally from stonemasonry, to teach moral and ethical lessons ( SYMBOLIC MEANING instinctive sympathy or fellow feeling between people with something in common.)

dualism

P.O.S - NOUN

the division of something conceptually into two opposed or contrasted aspects, or the state of being so divided.

hand-organ

P.O.S - NOUN

a barrel organ operated by a hand crank (instrument)

melodramatic

P.O.S - ADJ

Someone being exaggerated and emotional. Overdramatic.

panorama

P.O.S - NOUN

A wide view of a region surrounding an observer.

shrill

P.O.S - ADJ

High pitched and piercing.

bombastic

P.O.S - ADJ

high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated.

peroration

P.O.S - NOUN

the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience.

gallant

P.O.S - ADJ

(of a person or their behavior) brave; heroic.

dormant

P.O.S - ADJ

Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in deep sleep.

phenomenon

P.O.S - NOUN

A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

prominent

P.O.S - ADJ

Important; famous.

continence

P.O.S - NOUN

the ability to control movements of the bowels and bladder, self-restraint, especially with regard to sex.

studious

P.O.S - ADJ

spending a lot of time studying and reading.

avenge

P.O.S - VERB

inflicting harm in return for another act or injury.

trinket

P.O.S - NOUN

A small ornament or piece of jewelry, often of little value.

prodigy

P.O.S - NOUN

A young person with exceptional talent or ability.

patronize

P.O.S - VERB

To support or sponsor someone or something, especially financially.

elocutionary

P.O.S - ADJ

Of or relating to public speaking, especially concerning voice production, delivery, and gesture.

luxuriant

P.O.S - ADJ

rich and profuse in growth; lush.

impassable

P.O.S - ADJ

impossible to travel along or over.

thoroughfare

P.O.S - NOUN

A thoroughfare is a primary passage or way of transport, whether by road on dry land or, by extension, via watercraft or aircraft.

proprietor

P.O.S - NOUN

the owner of a business, or a holder of property.

picturesque

P.O.S - ADJ

visually attractive, especially in a quaint or pretty style.

scrupulous

P.O.S - ADJ

in a very careful and thorough way; with great attention to detail; in a way that shows great honesty and moral integrity.

capacious

P.O.S - ADJ

having a lot of space inside; roomy.

benefactor

P.O.S - NOUN

a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

crochet

P.O.S - NOUN

a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a patterned fabric by looping yarn with a hooked needle.

menacing

P.O.S - ADJ

suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.

gesticulate

P.O.S - VERB

use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.

acme

P.O.S - NOUN

the highest point, peak, or culmination.

junta

P.O.S - NOUN

a small group, often of military leaders, that controls a country after overthrowing the previous government by force.

ramify

P.O.S - VERB

dividing or spreading out into branches or branch-like sections.

monotonous

P.O.S - ADJ

dull, tedious; lacking in variation of tone and pitch.

peripatetic

P.O.S - ADJ

traveling from place to place, typically for work and usually for short periods of time.

cognizance

P.O.S - NOUN

knowledge, awareness, notice.

quadrille dancing

P.O.S - NOUN

An 18th/19th century style of ballroom dancing which involved 4 couples dancing in a square formation.

cake-walk

P.O.S - NOUN

A 19th century ballroom dance performed by African Americans, often depicting their slaveholders.

Parisian

P.O.S - ADJ

Of or relating to Paris.