braid = plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by
weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)
acquiesce = assent; agree passively; comply without
protest
favoritism = display of partiality toward a favored person
beeline = direct quick route
baroque = highly ornate
anecdote = short story of an amusing or interesting event
serendipity = gift for finding valuable things by accident;
accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes
of Serendip
lackluster = lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
flag = droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength;
ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
egoism = excessive interest in one.s self; belief that one
should be interested in one.s self rather than in others;
selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical
gazette = official periodical publication; newspaper
scurvy = contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by
deficiency of Vitamin C
stringent = (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of
money; Ex. stringent economic conditions
unwitting = not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex.
She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult;
CF. wit: know
patois = local or provincial dialect
exact = demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise
from him; N. exaction
emaciated = thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
guileless = without deceit
centaur = mythical figure, half man and half horse
droop = bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex.
His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.
finished = properly made and complete; Ex. finished
product/performance
imbibe = drink in
dissertation = formal essay; treatise
discursive = (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling
(without any clear plan)
dappled = spotted
servitude = slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
humor = indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality
that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood;
Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor
drudgery = hard unpleasant work; menial work
apex = tip; summit; climax; highest point
lancet = small surgical tool for making incisions
smart = intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex.
smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N:
smarting pain