riposte
a sharp, quick, clever reply
proclivity
an inclination or tendency towards acting or liking something, especially something morally wrong
ostentatious
attention-seeking; designed to attract attention or inspire envy; pretentious or overly gaudy display
ignominious
dishonorable; causing or deserving of shame
capricious
given to impulsive or unpredictable behavior; fickle
obstinate
stubbornly refusing to change ones ideas, opinions, or actions
edify
to improve, benefit, or instruct, especially religiously or morally
dyspeptic
indigestion; in extended usage, irritability or annoyance (related to indigestion)
Francis of Assisi
patron saint of Italy, along with Saint Catherine of Siena, who was a Catholic friar, deacon and preacher
pallet
a bundle of straw; a makeshift or temporary bed
gregarious
outgoing; sociable; fond of the company of others
gossamer
a fine film of cobwebs, especially in autumn; something thin, light, or delicate
goad
to spur or provoke in order to elicit a reaction; to urge an animal on
cache
a collection of items stored in a secure hiding place
avocation
hobby
propinquity
nearness, closeness; kinship
pugilism
boxing; fighting
extant
not lost or destroyed; currently in existence
annals
a yearly record of events
tenacious
unwilling to accept defeat; holding onto something especially firmly
pilfer
to steal, especially small things or things of relatively little value
patrician
belonging to the aristocracy
desultory
disconnected; lacking order
desiccate
to remove the moisture from or dry; to emotionally or intellectually drain
apprise
to notify; to inform
aplomb
self-assurance, self-confidence
mirth
gladness, amusement, cheerfulness
maudlin
self-pitying; overly sentimental
indolent
to avoid effort or activity
idolatry
to worship an idol or false image
baleful
destructive, harmful or menacing
nonplussed
bewildered, surprised, unsure how to act
inane
foolish; silly
assiduous
perseverant, constant; showing attention or care
feint
a pretend or deceptive move
supercilious
behaving superior to others
spurious
illegitimate; false or not to be trusted
ebullient
enthusiastic, excited or cheerful; boiling or bubbling up
beatific
showing or producing bliss; bestowing holy bliss, blessing
jaunty
cheerful, lively manner
