English 10H vocab unit 9

acclamation

a shout of welcome; an overwhelming verbal vote of approval

bucolic

characteristic of the countryside, rural; relating to shepherds and cowherds, pastoral

calumniate

to slander; to accuse falsely and maliciously

chary

extremely cautious, hesitant, or slow (to); reserved, diffident

collusion

secret agreement or cooperation

dilettante

a dabbler in the arts; one who engages in an activity in an amateurish, trifling way; superficial

imperturbable

not easily excited; emotionally steady

increment

an enlargement, increase, addition

mandate

an authoritative command, formal order, authorization; to issue such an order

paltry

trifling, insignificant; mean, despicable; inferior, trashy

paroxysm

a sudden outburst; a spasm, convulsion

pedantry

a pretentious display of knowledge; overly rigid attention to rules and details

peregrination

the act of traveling; an excursion, especially on foot or to a foreign country

redolent

fragrant, smelling strongly; tending to arouse memories or create an aura

refulgent

shining, radiant, resplendent

shibboleth

a word, expression, or custom that distinguishes a particular group of persons from all others; a commonplace saying or truism

tyro

a beginner, novice; one with little or no background or skill

unremitting

not stopping, maintained steadily, never letting up, relentless

vacillate

to swing indecisively from one idea or course of action to another; to waver weakly in mind or will

vituperative

harshly abusive, severely scolding