| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| indistinct |
not clearly perceived or perceiving. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |