Definition: (noun) A thief who steals from the pockets or purses of others in public places.
Synonyms: pickpocket, dip.
Usage: The heartless cutpurse targets commuters on crowded subways and buses, stealing from those who appear distracted or tired.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Torch fights are still popular in some rural areas in Korea to celebrate the first full moon of the Lunar New Year (Sol). Neighboring farming villages form their own teams and fight each other with torches made of burning bundles of straw. A hill is usually the designated battleground, and the torch-bearers gather there and wait for the full moon to rise, at which point a gong signals the beginning of the battle. Members of each team rush their opponents, brandishing their lit torches. While no one usually gets hurt in this game, participants generally go home with singed hair and clothing. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The House of Esterházy was a Hungarian noble family that rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and had, by the 18th century, acquired the most land of any family in the Habsburg Empire and accumulated more wealth than the emperor himself. Esterházys held important governmental, ecclesiastical, diplomatic, and military posts in Hungary well into the 20th century. One of the most generous art patrons of all time, Nikolaus Joseph Esterházy built Esterházy palace and supported what famous composer? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Precisely accurate.
Synonyms: right.
Usage: The trial transcript provides me with a veracious account of all that transpired in the courtroom.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Vestal Virgins were a revered and privileged group of Roman priestesses. They maintained the sacred fire of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, collected water from a sacred spring, and cared for sacred objects in the temple’s sanctuary. The six priestesses were selected as children for 30 years of service, during which time they had to remain virgins. Their well-being and chastity were considered essential to the security of Rome. What was done to a Vestal who broke her vow of chastity? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Try to stir up public opinion.
Synonyms: agitate, stir up.
Usage: They accused him of trying to foment a revolution and threw him in jail for treason.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A week-long Bob Marley birthday celebration takes place every year over the course of the week of his birth date (February 6, 1945), with events centered in and around the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. The celebration typically encompasses such events as symposia on Marley’s life and work, films, lectures, learning activities for children, and of course a series of concerts celebrating Marley’s music. Since Marley’s death in 1981, the birthday celebration has grown in momentum, and it now draws hundreds of fans to his hometown. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Despite its recognized toxicity, the false morel mushroom Gyromitra esculenta is a popular delicacy in Europe, especially in Scandinavia. Also called a “brain mushroom” because it looks like a dark red brain, it can be deadly if it is not carefully and thoroughly cooked or dried. Some experts advise boiling and rinsing it twice to draw out the toxin, but even this process can be dangerous, as the toxin can build up in the air when boiled. Why do some deny that the mushroom is poisonous? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A butcher’s knife having a large square blade.
Synonyms: chopper.
Usage: Beside this range was a butcher block upon which lay a great cleaver with a keen edge.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
James the Just was an important figure in early Christianity whose exact relationship to Jesus has been the subject of much debate. Several early sources refer to him as the “brother” of Jesus, and scholars differ about whether he was a half-brother, cousin, or merely a brother in spirit like the other apostles. After Jesus’ crucifixion, James led the Christian movement as the first bishop of Jerusalem. What evidence exists to explain how James might or might not have been related to Jesus? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary