THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WORLD LEADERS OF ALL TIME

7 The 100 Most Influential World Leaders of All Time 7

incipient Beginning; in the initial stage.
incursion A hostile invasion of a territory.
indefatigable Untiring.
junta A small group ruling a country, usually following a
governmental coup d’état.
kibbutz A community settlement, organized by a collec-
tive, especially in Israel.
malfeasance Wrongdoing or illegal act perpetrated by a
public offi cial.
moribund Near death; dying.
mullah An educated Muslim trained in traditional reli-
gious law and doctrine.
penurious Given to extreme frugality.
plebiscite A direct vote by the people of an entire
country or district for or against a proposal, especially
on a choice of government or ruler.
polemic An aggressive attack on the principles of
another.
pontifi cate The offi ce or term of a bishop or pope.
posthumous Following or occurring after one’s death.
presidium In Communist countries, the committee that
acts with full powers when its parent body is in recess.
sagacity Wisdom; soundness of judgment.
satrap A governor of a province in ancient Persia.
sentient Having the power of perception; conscious.
tactician A person adept at planning military
maneuvers.
vanguard The forefront in any movement or fi eld.
virtuosity Technical skill and fl uency.