| Term | Definition |
| perverse | inclined to go against what is expected, stubborn, turned away from what is good and propoer |
| prelude | an introduction, that which comes before or leads off |
| rancid | stale, spoiled |
| rustic | country-like, simple, plain, awkward, one who lives in the country |
| sever | to separate, divide into parts |
| sordid | wretchedly poor, run-down, mean or selfish |
| untenable | not capable of being held or defended, impossible to maintain |
| versatile | able to do many things well, capable of many uses |
| vindicate | to clear from hint or charge of wrongdoing, to defend successfully against opposition, to justify |
| wane | to lose size, strength, or power |