| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| periphrasis |
an indirect or roundabout way of phrasing something; circumlocution. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |
| uxorious |
excessively or foolishly devoted to one's wife, and often thereby submissive to her. |