Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Vocabulary

Vociferous

someone or something that expresses opinions, feelings, or complaints in a very loud, forceful, and insistent manner

Vehement

showing very strong feelings, intense passion, or forceful energy

Accost

to approach, stop, and speak to someone in a bold, intrusive, or aggressive way

Poignant

something evoking a keen, sharp sense of emotion

Pious

someone who is deeply religious, devout, or reverent

Arbiter

a person or entity empowered to settle a dispute, make a final decision, or judge a given situation

Epicurean

a devoted fondness for luxury, sensuous enjoyment, or the finer things in life, particularly fine food and drink

Unassailable

impossible to attack, dispute, or defeat

Shoddy

something that is poorly made, carelessly done, or of inferior quality

Impolitic

an action, remark, or decision that is unwise, imprudent, or tactless

Somnolent

drowsy, sleepy, or inclined to fall asleep

Avail

to be of use, help, or advantage to someone

Invariable

something that never changes, stays the same under all circumstances, or is incapable of being altered

Credence

the mental acceptance or belief that something is true, real, or valid

Horticulturist

a professional who applies both the science and art of plant cultivation

Berserker

a legendary Norse warrior known for fighting in a wild, trance-like fury

Cosmopolitan

being worldly, sophisticated, and free from local or national prejudices

Consternation

a feeling of anxiety, dismay, or sudden confusion

Circumscribed

restricted, confined, or having well-defined, clear boundaries

Kilter

a state of proper condition, balance, or working order

Bereft

deprived of, lacking, or suffering from the loss of something

Chauvinist

an individual who holds an aggressive, fanatical, or unreasoning belief in the superiority of their own group

Regalia

the traditional and official clothing, symbols, or accessories worn during formal ceremonies

Affluent

having a large amount of wealth, money, or material possessions

Spinster

an unmarried woman, typically one past the conventional age for marrying

Encrusted

being covered, coated, or decorated with a hard, thick, or ornamental layer

Imponderable

something that cannot be accurately measured, evaluated, or completely explained

Beneficence

the act of doing good, showing kindness, or performing charitable actions

Preliminary

anything that precedes, introduces, or prepares for a more important main event

Indictment

a formal, written accusation issued by a grand jury that charges a person with committing a serious crime

Maelstrom

A powerful, violent, whirlpool. Metaphorically, it refers to any chaotic, turbulent, or deeply confusing situation

Traipsed

to walk, wander, or tramp around—especially in an aimless, tiring, or reluctant manner

Adroit

someone who is very clever, skillful, or resourceful in their actions or thoughts

Purporting

to claim, profess, or give the impression of being or doing something

Soliciting

the act of asking, seeking, or pleading for something

Ambled

to walk in a slow, relaxed, unhurried, or leisurely manner

Plaintiff

the individual, business, or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit in court

Wan

pale and tired

Affability

the quality of being friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to

Discomfiture

a feeling of uneasy embarrassment, awkwardness, or a state of being disconcerted

Aggrieved

someone who feels resentful, unhappy, or angry because they believe they have been treated unfairly

Genial

warmly and pleasantly cheerful, friendly, and amiable

Sconces

a decorative lighting fixture that is mounted directly to a wall rather than hanging from the ceiling or sitting on a table

Precedent

a previous action, decision, or event that serves as a guide, rule, or justification for similar situations in the future

Clerical

routine administrative tasks, such as filing, record-keeping, and general office support

Ornate

something that is elaborately, heavily, or intricately decorated

Codified

arranged, compiled, and systematically written down into a formal, structured collection, such as a set of laws, rules, or principles

Prodded

to poke physically or to urge someone into action

Boughs

a large or main branch of a tree

Tureen

a large, deep serving dish with a cover

Accented

something has been given a particular stress, emphasis, or distinctive feature

Plebiscite

direct, nationwide or regional vote where eligible citizens are asked to accept or reject a specific public question, policy, or government action

Contralto

the lowest and deepest type of classical female singing voice

Belligerent

hostile, aggressive, and eager to fight or argue

Remittance

a transfer of money from one party to another

Togs

an informal slang term primarily used to mean "clothes” or “outfits”

Dotty

slightly eccentric, silly, or mentally unbalanced