bastion = stronghold; something seen as a source of protection;
Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism
growl = low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
maverick = rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
crochet = make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread
with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet
epitome = perfect example or embodiment; brief summary;
Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make
an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody
vagrant = wandering from place to place; roving; stray;
moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N.
vagrancy
falter = hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or
move unsteadily through weakness; N.
florid = ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very
ornate; CF. rose
philatelist = stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting
grotesque = fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural
(causing fear or amusement)
avalanche = great mass of falling snow and ice
accessible = easy to approach; obtainable
inane = silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
orientation = act of finding oneself in society; orienting
acidulous = slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp;
caustic
crabbed = sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read
as handwriting
lagoon = shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake
separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs
unprepossessing = unattractive
airy = of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
acuity = sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)