UNUSUAL WORDS CXII

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

1. FLEER

2. QUIPU

3. BILLET

4. HENCH 

5. LOGGIA

6. ABJURE

7. PASTILLE

8. PASTICHE

9. CELADON

10. HOROLOGY

 

Answers:

 

1. FLEER -  Jeer, sneer

 

2. QUIPU -  Device of colored strings and knots used by the Incas for communication and recordkeeping

 

3. BILLET -  Placing a soldier in a civilian's house to live temporarily in time of war 

 

4. HENCH - (Of a man) Big, strong, muscular - associated with "henchmen" who were used for criminal purposes

 

5. LOGGIA - A gallery or arcade with one or more open sides, as part of a house opening to a garden

 

6. ABJURE - Solemnly renounce, as a belief or cause

 

7. PASTILLE - A small candy or lozenge 

 

8. PASTICHE - An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period

 

9. CELADON - A pale, blue-green color and glaze 

 

10. HOROLOGY - The study and measure of time, the art of of making clocks and watches