The Black Cat

The Black Cat Glossary

unburthen

Archaic form of unburden, meaning to relieve yourself of something causing anxiety, worry or torment.

phantasm

Sometimes spelled fantasm; it is an illusion or figment of the imagination. Usually within the context of being horrifying or inspiring dread.

sagacious

Exceptionally wise and insightful.

paltry

An insignificant amount, often to the degree of challenging one's very self-esteem.

intemperate

Unrestrained, self-indulgent lack of control.

malevolence

A malicious intent to inflict wickedness or evil upon others.

irrevocable

Something that is permanent, unchangeable, and with a conclusion that is certain and unavoidable.

conflagration

More than a mere fire; an inferno unleashed and out of control.

fidelity

Intense loyalty and unbound faithfulness to a person, an object, or even an abstract idea or belief.

chimera

Technically, an ancient mythic monster comprising various body parts of three different animals, but as a metaphor, the word can represent any sort of weird and terrifying phantasm created by a troubled mind.

bravado

Energetically boastful display of false courage in an attempt to either intimidate a foe or pump up one's own actual courage and determination.

aversion

A dislike of something so intense that it leads to avoidance.

perverse

Deviating from the norm to the point of being unnatural.

hideous

So ugly as to instill fright or revulsion.

equivocal

Unclear as to meaning; open to interpretation.

inscrutable

Difficult to understand; conveying a sense of puzzlement based on trickery.

odious

Disagreeable and unpleasant.

pertinacious

Exceptionally unwavering and stubborn.