GRE Word List

TONSURE

the Roman Catholic or Eastern rite of admission to the clerical state by the clipping or shaving of a portion of the head

The meaning of the word tonsure is the Roman Catholic or Eastern rite of admission to the clerical state by the clipping or shaving of a portion of the head.

Random words

WordMeaning
bawdyboisterously or humorously indecent
plausiblesuperficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious
palpitateto beat rapidly and strongly : throb
interto deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb
penumbraa space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light
comeuppancea deserved rebuke or penalty : deserts
conteststrive
comebacka sharp or witty reply : retort
aspireto seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal
conscripta conscripted person (such as a military recruit)