In this one-word substitution question, choose the single English word that best expresses the phrase "like a weak old woman", describing behaviour or character that resembles that of a feeble, elderly woman.

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a slightly uncommon but exam-relevant adjective used in English vocabulary. The phrase "like a weak old woman" is asking for a word that describes behaviour, manner, or character typically and stereotypically associated with an elderly, feeble woman. One-word substitutions like this appear frequently in higher-level English tests and help sharpen nuanced understanding of description words.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are given the phrase "like a weak old woman". We must select the single adjective that carries this specific sense. We assume the options are used in their standard dictionary meanings.

Concept / Approach:
The word "anile" is derived from Latin "anus", meaning "old woman". In English, "anile" is used to describe something characteristic of an old woman, especially when it suggests weakness, childishness, or senility. It is often used in a critical way to describe feeble-minded or overly cautious behaviour. None of the other options has this connection with age or weakness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the phrase in the stem describes a quality or characteristic, so the correct answer should be an adjective. Step 2: Recall or deduce that "anile" is the adjective related to an old woman. Step 3: Check each option: see which one refers to old women or feminine weakness. Step 4: Confirm that "anile" alone matches "like a weak old woman". Step 5: Choose Option C as the correct one-word substitution.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by checking how "anile" is used in example sentences such as "an anile old man" or "anile chatter", where it suggests feeble, senile, or overly old-fashioned behaviour. The meaning always goes back to the idea of an old woman's weakness or garrulousness. Since this matches the phrase in the stem, our selection is confirmed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Amazon", refers to a tall, strong, and often warrior-like woman, the exact opposite of a weak old woman. Option B, "Acetic", relates to vinegar or acetic acid and has nothing to do with age or gender. Option D, "Archer", is a person who uses a bow and arrows; it names a profession or role, not a characteristic quality. Therefore, these options do not express the phrase given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is selecting "Amazon" simply because it refers to a woman, without considering that the meaning is about strength, not weakness. Another pitfall is guessing based on sound similarity, for example confusing "anile" with "aniline" or other technical terms. To improve performance in such questions, learners should build a list of rare but exam-friendly adjectives and review their precise connotations regularly.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is "Anile".