Go Set a Watchman

Go Set a Watchman Glossary

Abjure

To solemnly renounce a belief, a cause, or a claim

Slewed

To turn or slide violently or uncontrollably in a particular direction

Dissemble

To conceal one’s true motives, emotions, or beliefs

Perspicacious

Having acute insight and understanding of things

Disapprobation

Strong disapproval (especially on moral grounds)

Ipso facto

Latin term meaning “by that very fact or act"

Philistine

A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture/arts

Zither

A musical instrument that consists of a flat sounding box with many strings stretched over it

Enisled

To isolate on an island or as if on an island

Paroxysm

A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity

Pince-nez

A pair of eyeglasses with a nose clip instead of earpieces

Woolgathering

Indulgence in aimless thought

Halycon

Denoting a period of time past that was idyllic and peaceful

Dissipation

Dissolute, self-indulgent living, or the squandering of money and resources

Acrimonious

Angry and bitter, typically referring to speech

Predilection

A preference or special liking for something

Ablutionary

Cleansing or washing in a spiritually or religious way

Benediction

The bestowing of a blessing, typically at the end of a religious service

Anthropophagous

Pertaining to cannibalism; anthropophagy is the practice of eating human flesh

Salacious

Treating sexual matters in an indecent way, and typically conveying interest/enjoyment in the subject; lustful or lecherous

Tomfoolery

Foolish or silly behavior

Sprightly

Lively, full of energy, often describing an older person

Dropsical

Afflicted with edema, a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body

Axiom

A statement regarded as being self-evidently true

Coterie

Small group of people with shared interests/tastes, often exclusive of others

Harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech

Erudition

The quality of having great knowledge and scholarship

Raffish

Unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner

Encumbered

To restrict or burden someone or something in such a way that free action or movement is difficult

Accoutrements

Additional items of dress or equipment used for a particular activity

Myopia

Nearsightedness

Gambit

A tactical move of high risk or sacrifice that is calculated to gain an advantage later

Recumbent

Lying down (especially of a person)

Shiftless

Characterized by laziness and lack of ambition, usually pertaining to people

Insolence

Rude and disrespectful behavior

Veneer

Thin decorative covering of find wood applied to coarser material

Abet

To encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime

Vacillate

To alternate or waver between different opinions/actions

Précis

A summary or abstract of a text or speech

Miasmal

A noxious and poisonous atmosphere; a thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation

Appurtenances

An accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style or living

Rectitude

Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness

Quixotic

Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical

Edification

The instruction or improvement of a person, morally and intellectually

Invective

Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

Communiqué

An official announcement or statement, especially one made to the media or press

Probate

The official proving of a will

Ructions

A disturbance or quarrel; unpleasant reactions to or complains about something

Bigot

A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions

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