| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |