purgatory :: place of spiritual expiation
purport :: intention; meaning
purveyor :: furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer
purview :: scope
pyromaniac :: person with an insane desire to set things on fire
quack :: charlatan; impostor
quadruped :: four-footed animal
quagmire :: bog; marsh
qualms :: misgivings
quandary :: dilemma
quarantine :: isolation of person or ship to prevent spread of infection
quay :: dock; landing place
qui vie :: wide awake; expectant
quietude :: tranquillity
quintessence :: purest and highest embodiment
quip :: taunt
quirk :: startling twist; caprice
quorum :: number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
ragamuffin :: person wearing tattered clothes
ramification :: branching out; subdivision
ramp :: slope; inclined plane
rampart :: defensive mound of earth
rancor :: bitterness; hatred
rapprochement :: reconciliation
ratiocination :: reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises
rationalization :: bringing into conformity with reason
realm :: kingdom; sphere
rebate :: discount
recession :: withdrawal; retreat
recidivism :: habitual return to crime
recipient :: receiver
recluse :: hermit
reconnaissance :: survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering
recourse :: resorting to help when in trouble
recreant :: coward; betrayer of faith
recrimination :: countercharges
recrudescence :: reopening of a wound or sore
rectitude :: uprightness
recusant :: person who refuses to comply
redress :: remedy; compensation
refection :: slight refreshment
refectory :: dinning hall
refraction :: bending of a ray of light
refutation :: disproof of opponents" arguments
regatta :: boat or yacht race
regeneration :: spiritual rebirth
regime :: method or system of government
regimen :: prescribed diet and habits
relevancy :: pertinence; reference to the case in hand
reminiscence :: recollection
remnant :: remainder
rendezvous :: meeting place
rendition :: translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc.
renegade :: deserter; apostate
renunciation :: giving up; renouncing
reparation :: amends; compensation
repartee :: clever reply