Vocabulary & Spelling 4.1

aviary

n. - a place where birds are kept

breach

n. - failure to do; violation

Breviary

n. - CAPITALIZED; name of a book of hymns, prayers

de rigueur

adj. - FRENCH; necessary to blend in to social norms

ensemble

n. - group of people or things that make up a complete unit

hamper

v. - to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)

hornet

n. - a flying insect that has a powerful sting

machismo

n. - way of behaving that agrees with traditional ideal of men being very strong and aggressive

piquant

adj. - having a pleasant, spicy taste; interesting and exciting

précis

n. - a brief summary of main points and ideas

rehash

v. - to talk about or discuss (something) again

remedy

n. - medicine or treatment that relieves pain or cures a usually minor illness

serendipity

n. - luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for

sober

adj. - not drunk

somber

adj. - very sad

stealthy

adj. - slow, deliberate, and secret in action or character

tinker

v. - to try to repair or improve something (such as a machine) by making small changes or adjustments to it

trough

n. - a long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink out of

trout

n. - a common fish that lives in rivers and lakes and is often used as food

wry

adj. - cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous