elite vocab 551-575

insolent

adj. boldly disrespectful in speech or behavior; impertinent; impudent

arrogant

adj. having more pride and self-importance than is proper

slipshod

adj. marked by carelessness or casual attention to detail; sloppy

voracious

adj. devouring; extremely hungry

embark

v. to set off on a long trip

found

v. to establish; to set up on a firm basis

parry

v. to deflect an attack

purse

v. to contract into wrinkles or folds; to pucker

convoke

v. to call together in a meeting

lurch

v. to sway or tip abruptly to one side; to stagger

vim

n. energy; enthusiasm

pristine

adj. remaining in a pure state

anathema

n. someone or something that is hated

tortuous

adj. winding, twisted

clamor

n. a loud and continuous noise

frivolous

adj. of little importance

perfunctory

adj. done without care or interest or merely as a form or routine

buttress

v. to prop up or support

faculty

n. a natural ability to do something

malodorous

adj. smelling very bad

elaborate

adj. detailed; carefully thorough; v. to develop with care or at greater length

turgid

adj. excessively ornate or complex in style; swollen, as from fluid

modest

adj. limited in amount, extent, etc.

ascertain

v. to discover with certainty, as through examination

rescind

v. to take back or cancel