UNUSUAL WORDS LXXXIX

Can you give a simple definition of these less-frequently-used words?

1. CULL

2. COWL

3. CADGER

4. ANNEAL

5. APLOMB

6. ACUMEN

7. PARVENU

8. CONDIGN 

9. PASSERINE

10. DIRIGIBLE

11. MULLIGAN

12. EVANANESCENT 

Answers:

 

1. CULL - Select from a large quantity/Obtain from a variety of sources

 

2. COWL - A hood or long, sleeveless, hooded garment or cloak, especially as worn by monks 

 

3. CADGER - A moocher, shnorrer (Yiddish), one who tries to get something for free, taking advantage of the generosity of others/beggar

 

4. ANNEAL - Heat then cool, as glass or steel, to strengthen/temper 

 

5. APLOMB - Poise, self-confidence, especially in a demanding situation

 

6. ACUMEN - Discernment, keen perception

 

7. PARVENU - A person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity/nouveau riche 

 

8. CONDIGN -  (adjective) Fitting and deserved, as punishment,  appropriate to the crime or wrongdoing

 

9. PASSERINE - Of birds - distinguished by feet that are adapted for perching - including all songbirds

 

10. DIRIGIBLE - Airship resembling a giant balloon, powered by lighter-than-air gas - such as helium/Blimps and  zeppelins are dirigibles. 

 

11. MULLIGAN  - A re-do or second chance to perform/ In golf - informal  - chance to replay a stroke/ also a kind of stew made up of odds and ends of food (sometimes in reference to hobos)

 

12. EVANESCENT - Disappearing, vanishing - as a shooting star, ephemeral