Vocab

Dispirited = v, disheartened

Encumber = v, weigh down

Chirrup = v, high-pitched sound (cicadas, birds)

Flicker of = brief sensation

Hurtle = rush forward

Nought = nothing, zero

Livery = uniform (for like staff)

Heath = n, uncultivated field

Rota = repeating schedule of assigned tasks (on a rota basis = par roulement)

Feat = n, exploit

Slew = inf n, a lot of / v, swing around, turn abruptly

Compendium = collection

By dint of = by means of, thanks to

Implement = v, put into effect / n, piece of equipment, means

Cacoethes = n, urge to do sth inadvisable

Bounteous = adj, plentiful, generous

Retinue = n, cortège

Emendation = n, editorial correction

Enliven = v, make more lively, brighter

Adduce = v, put forward (proof)

Stevedore = n, dockworker, loads and unloads a boat

Abseil = v/n, descend using a rope

Joust = v/n, fight on horseback or just competition in general

Hubris = n, arrogance

Chassis = n, supporting frame

Caesura = n, mid-line pause

Transience = n, impermanence, fleeting nature

Inkling = n, slight idea

Emaciate = v, make extremely thin

Plaice = n, flat fish

Scour = v, scrub / search all over

Swain = n, male admirer

Loquacious = adj, talkative

Retraining = n/v, teach new skills

Census = n/v, population count

Sibilant = adj/n, whistling, consonant with hissing sound

Skiff = n, small boat

Lambast = v, attack verbally

Fealty = n, loyalty

Skirmish = n/v, physical struggle or brief fight

Fester = v, rot

Borough = n, municipality

Gash = n/v, deep cut

Trudge = n/v, walk wearily

Tailback = n, traffic jam

Parapet = n, low wall along a roof

Embankment = n, water barrier, build to hold back water or to support a road as a protection

Mezzotint = n, engraving method

Knavish = adj, untrustworthy

Absolve = v, free from guilt

Etch = v, engrave

Lofty = adj, noble (statement) / ambitious (goal) / haughty / tall (mountains)

Expunge = v, erase

Expurgate = v, censor

Grueling = adj, exhausting, arduous

Herald = n/v, messenger, to announce