UNUSUAL WORDS CXXVIII

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

1. QUARK 

2. AGNATE

3. DISTAFF

4. DANDLE

5. RAGOUT

6. EPICENE

7. JINGOISM 

8. POTSHERD

9. ANAEROBE

10. ELEEMOSYNARY

 

Answers:

 

1. QUARK - Subatomic particle, basic

                      building block of protons and neutrons 

2. AGNATE - Related on the father's side

3. DISTAFF - Related on the mother's side

4. DANDLE - To bounce a baby on your lap or knee 

5. RAGOUT (ragoo) - Savory stew in a rich sauce

6. EPICENE - Having characteristics of both sexes

7. JINGOISM - Policy favoring war over diplomacy

8. POTSHERD - Broken piece of clay or pottery -

                             of archaeological value

9. ANAEROBE - Living micro-organism or bacterium

                              that does not require air

10. ELEEMOSYNARY - Related to, supported by, or 

                                           dependent on charity