klatches
gatherings, usually characterized by casual conversation
lascivious
lustful
licentioius
lewd
magistrates
local officials
malevolence
illl will
malign
speak evilly of; utter false things about
manifestation
embodiment
marauded
raided
mores
moral attitudes; manners, and customs
naïve
not worldly
naught
nothing
paradox
something with seemingly contradictory elements
parochial
narrow-minded
perverse
corrupt
predilection
preference
prodigious
strange; extraordinary
propitiation
appeasement; atonement
providence
divine guidance
rankle
irritate
scourge
cause of widespread affliction