perjury(pur·ju ̆·ree) n.the deliberate willful giving of false, misleading, or
incomplete testimony while under oath. William was convicted of perjury for
lying about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
purloin(pu ̆r·loin) v.to steal. The thief purloined a sculpture worth thousands
of dollars.
recalcitrant (ri·kal·si·tra ̆nt) adj.disobedient, unruly; refusing to obey
authority. The recalcitrant child was sent to the principal’s office for the third time
in a week.
recidivism(ri·sid· ̆·vizm) n.a relapse or backslide, especially into antiso-
cial or criminal behavior after conviction and punishment. Allowing prison-
ers to earn their GED or a college degree has been shown to greatly reduce
recidivism.
reprehensible(rep·ri·hen·s ̆·be ̆l) adj.deserving rebuke or censure. The rep-
rehensible behavior of the neighborhood bully angered everyone on the block.
reprieve(ri·preev) n.1. postponement or cancellation of punishment,
especially of the death sentence. 2. temporary relief from danger or dis-
comfort. The court granted him a reprieve at the last moment because of DNA
evidence that absolved him.
tribunal(tr ̄·byoo·na ̆l) n.a court of justice. He will be sentenced for his war
crimes by an international tribunal.
turpitude(tur·pi·tood) n.1. wickedness. 2. a corrupt or depraved act. Such
turpitude deserves the most severe punishment.
venal(vee·na ̆l) adj.easily bribed or corrupted; unprincipled. The venal judge
was removed and disbarred.