A "novice" is someone who is just beginning something, as is the correct answer, "beginner." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "novice": "nobility" is the upper class in feudal society or someone from the noble or upper class in feudal society; a "knack" is a natural talent, a "shadow" is a shape formed by blocked light, and a "religion" is an organized system of beliefs that may or may not involve the worship of one or more gods and goddesses.

A "postulant" is a person who hopes to join a religious order. A "candidate" is a more general term for someone who hopes to become a member of something. This is therefore the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "postulant": a "brace" is something that provides support, a "carton" is a type of box, a "tapestry" is a large weaving that often depicts a scene and is often hung on the wall, and an "attitude" is a personal mindset.

An "interloper" is a person who meddles in the affairs of others, so "meddler" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "interloper": “departure” means the event of leaving; “promise” means vow or pledge; “assignment” means task or obligation; and “belief” means faith or conviction.

An "insurgent" is a rebel or a person who forcefully opposes a government, so "rebel" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "insurgent": “agony” means pain; “performer” means player or doer; “wave” means curl, surge or trend; and “mixture” means combination.

A "nomad" is someone who doesn't stay long in one place, or a wanderer.

"Coworker" is the best choice, because a colleague is a person with whom one works. While it is possible that one might work with a "friend" or "acquaintance," neither word necessarily implies a person with whom one would work. A person's "contemporary" would just be someone living and working at the same time as that person. "Student" also doesn't work, because, while a teacher may work with a student, their relationship is not based on their being "coworkers."

A "precursor" is a person or thing that comes before another of its same kind, or a "forerunner."

"Retinue" and "entourage" are both defined as a body of aides for an important person, so "entourage" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "retinue": "status" means rank; "burial" means the act of putting something in the ground and covering it with earth, "norm" means standard; and "devotion" means dedication.  

A "vagrant" is a person who wanders around idly and has no employment or permanent home, so "wanderer" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "vagrant": "shop" means store; "vegetation" means plants; "station" means a place at which a thing or person stands; and "finale" means end.   

"Charlatan" and "quack" are both defined as someone who claims to have expertise (especially in medicine) but does not.