| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| disheveled |
not neat; messy. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| stentorian |
extremely loud and powerful. |