Promiscuity is the practice of having sex with multiple partners. It can be a very dangerous habit, because it increases your risk of getting STD's and other diseases.
A clergyman is a person who is trained in religious teachings. They usually work in a church or other religious organization.
The laypeople are the general population, the people who are not involved in the government or the business world. They are the people who just live their lives and don't know anything about the politics or the business world.
Devoutly means with complete dedication. You might devoutly believe in a certain religion or ideology, or you might devoutly support a certain team.
When someone is transfixed, they are completely focused on something. They are not paying attention to anything else, and they are not moving.
Cementing is a process of making something permanent. When you cement something, you add a layer of cement to the surface so that it will not move or fall apart.
Unbeknownst means that you don't know about something. You might say something is unbeknownst to you, or that someone is unbeknownst to you.
An accomplice is someone who helps or aids someone in committing a crime. They are usually someone who is willing to do anything to help their friend or partner commit a crime.
The peasantry are the people who live on the farm or in the countryside. They are usually poor and have little power or rights.