| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| effrontery |
shameless impudence; insolence. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |