| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| internecine |
of or pertaining to conflict, discord, or struggle within a group. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |