RHYMING RIDDLE ANSWERS XCVIII

The answers to each item in the clues will rhyme. The answers to #1 are words adopted from French.

1. Expanse of flat land, Hat, "Living picture", French manor house

2. Opera with a tragic clown, Flamboyantly dressed pianist and entertainer, Fashion icon, COVID19 icon

3. Certain pie crust, NORAD on Christmas Eve, Cyber security target, Angel - as for a play 

4. The accused does it at his arraignment, Masters or Ph.D, Marriage proposal - often, Rosemary or chamomile

5. Marmaduke's breed, Sea cargo traffic passage, Reason for not trying something, Causing a major disturbance 

6. Liquid acting as a stretched membrane, Commendation given in a competition to one who does not win a prize, Gathering of presidential delegates, Guaranteed income after retirement for federal employees.

7. Spent fuel rods, Microsoft Word feature, What some couples choose to do before marriage, Perfect in choosing clothing, furnishings, etc.

8. Unit of weight, Spring or jump on, Soundly defeat, Wide ruffle sewn into a skirt

9. Burrowing mammal with beady eyes, Burrowing mouse-like rodent, Warsaw resident, Tree trunk

Answers:

1. Plateau, Chapeau, Tableau, Chateau

2. Pagliacci, Liberace, Versace, Dr. Fauci

3. Graham cracker, Santa tracker, Computer hacker, Financial backer

4. Enter a plea, Advanced degree, On bended knee, Herbal tea

5. Great Dane, Shipping lane, Nothing to gain, Raising Cain 

6. Surface tension, Honorable mention, National convention, Government pension 

7. Nuclear waste, Cut and paste, Remain chaste, Impeccable taste

8. Ounce, Pounce, Trounce, Flounce 

9. Mole, Vole, Pole, Bole