Vocabulary Level H Unit 1

adjunct – (n) an assistant or helper (adj) attached to a vaculty or staff in an auxiliary

capacity

bellwether – (n.) a leader, as in a desperate or violent

undertaking

caterwaul – (v.) to howl or screech like a cat (n.) a harsh

or noisy cry

chimerical – (adj.) absurd; wildly fantastic

effete – (adj.) worn-out or exhausted

fait accompli – (n.) an accomplished and irreversible

deed, fact, or action

hidebound – (adj.) narrow-minded and rigid; intolerant

hierarchy – (n.) any system of things arranged in order of

rank, etc.

liturgy – (n.) a religious service or rite

mirage – (n.) an illusion

morass – (n.) a swamp; a confusing situation in which one

is entrapped, as in quicksand

noisome – (adj.) offensive or disgusting

oblivious – (adj.) unaware

poltroon – (n.) a base coward, “chicken”

proselyte – (n.) a convert; a disciple

quasi – (adj.) resembling but not actually being (semi)

Vs.

Quasi fir treeReal fir trees

raillery – (n.) good-natured teasing

ribald – (adj.) coarse, vulgar, or indecent in language

supine – (adj.) lying flat on one’s back

vignette – (n.) a short description or sketch;

anecdote