astronomy (noun)
The study of celestial objects, space and the physical universe.
cosmogony (noun)
the branch of science that deals with the origin of the universe, especially the solar system.
honorarium (noun)
A reward offered for professional services that are normally rendered with recompense.
Padua (proper noun)
A province in the Veneto region of Italy.
bailiff (noun)
an official in a court of law who keeps order, looks after prisoners, etc.
theologian (noun)
A clergyperson; one who studies religion.
Ptolemaic system (proper noun)
The theory that the earth is the stationary center of the universe, with the planets moving in epicyclic orbits within surrounding concentric spheres.
armillary sphere (noun)
a model of the celestial globe constructed from rings and hoops representing the equator, the tropics, and other celestial circles, and able to revolve on its axis.
Copernicus (proper noun)
A mathematician and astronomer during the Renaissance who suggested that the Sun was at the center of the universe.
sustenance (noun)
Nourishment, whether actual edible provisions or food for thought.
heresy (noun)
A dissent from orthodox conventions and beliefs.
gawp (verb)
stare openly in a stupid or rude manner.
pious (adjective)
Sincere in one's devout commitment to their religion.
foundry (noun)
A workshop or factory for making casts of metal such as iron.
firmament (noun)
The heavens above
recant (verb)
To repudiate, renounce or disavow previous statements of beliefs.
The Inquisition (proper noun)
an ecclesiastical tribunal established by Pope Gregory IX c. 1232 for the suppression of heresy. It was active chiefly in northern Italy and southern France, becoming notorious for the use of torture. In 1542 the papal Inquisition was re-established to combat Protestantism, eventually becoming an organ of papal government.
oppression (noun)
A system of domination characterized by subjugation, persecution, repression and brutality.
basta (interjection)
Enough!
propaganda (noun)
Disseminated information intended to publicize, advertise or promulgate a specific political agenda.
