Abjure
To solemnly renounce a belief, a cause, or a claim
Slewed
To turn or slide violently or uncontrollably in a particular direction
Dissemble
To conceal one’s true motives, emotions, or beliefs
Perspicacious
Having acute insight and understanding of things
Disapprobation
Strong disapproval (especially on moral grounds)
Ipso facto
Latin term meaning “by that very fact or act"
Philistine
A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture/arts
Zither
A musical instrument that consists of a flat sounding box with many strings stretched over it
Enisled
To isolate on an island or as if on an island
Paroxysm
A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
Pince-nez
A pair of eyeglasses with a nose clip instead of earpieces
Woolgathering
Indulgence in aimless thought
Halycon
Denoting a period of time past that was idyllic and peaceful
Dissipation
Dissolute, self-indulgent living, or the squandering of money and resources
Acrimonious
Angry and bitter, typically referring to speech
Predilection
A preference or special liking for something
Ablutionary
Cleansing or washing in a spiritually or religious way
Benediction
The bestowing of a blessing, typically at the end of a religious service
Anthropophagous
Pertaining to cannibalism; anthropophagy is the practice of eating human flesh
Salacious
Treating sexual matters in an indecent way, and typically conveying interest/enjoyment in the subject; lustful or lecherous
Tomfoolery
Foolish or silly behavior
Sprightly
Lively, full of energy, often describing an older person
Dropsical
Afflicted with edema, a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body
Axiom
A statement regarded as being self-evidently true
Coterie
Small group of people with shared interests/tastes, often exclusive of others
Harangue
A lengthy and aggressive speech
Erudition
The quality of having great knowledge and scholarship
Raffish
Unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner
Encumbered
To restrict or burden someone or something in such a way that free action or movement is difficult
Accoutrements
Additional items of dress or equipment used for a particular activity
Myopia
Nearsightedness
Gambit
A tactical move of high risk or sacrifice that is calculated to gain an advantage later
Recumbent
Lying down (especially of a person)
Shiftless
Characterized by laziness and lack of ambition, usually pertaining to people
Insolence
Rude and disrespectful behavior
Veneer
Thin decorative covering of find wood applied to coarser material
Abet
To encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime
Vacillate
To alternate or waver between different opinions/actions
Précis
A summary or abstract of a text or speech
Miasmal
A noxious and poisonous atmosphere; a thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation
Appurtenances
An accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style or living
Rectitude
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness
Quixotic
Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
Edification
The instruction or improvement of a person, morally and intellectually
Invective
Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language
Communiqué
An official announcement or statement, especially one made to the media or press
Probate
The official proving of a will
Ructions
A disturbance or quarrel; unpleasant reactions to or complains about something
Bigot
A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions
