235. armada : fleet of warships

　　* Queen Elizabeth's navy was able to defeat the mighty armada that threatened the English coast.

　　236. aromatic : fragrant

　　* Medieval sailing vessels brought aromatic herbs from China to Europe.

　　241. arrogance : pride, haughtiness

　　* The arrogance of the nobility was resented by the middle class.

　　246. artisan : a manually skilled worker

　　* Artists and artisans alike are necessary to the development of a culture.

　　247. artless : without guile; open and honest

　　* Red Riding Hood's artless comment, \Grandma, what big eyes you have!\ indicates the child's innocent surprises at her \grandmother's\ changed appearance.

　　248. ascendancy : controlling influence

　　* President Marcos failed to maintain his ascendency over Philippines.

　　251. ascribe : refer; attribute; assign

　　* I can ascribe no motive for her acts.

　　258. aspersion : slanderous remark

　　* Do not cast aspersions on her character.

　　259. aspirant : seeker after position or status

　　* Although I am as aspirant for public office, I am not willing to accept the dictates of the party bosses.

　　260. aspiration : noble ambition

　　* Youth's aspirations should be as lofty as the stars.