| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| aggregate |
a sum, combination, or composite of separable elements. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| 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. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| jeremiad |
a long complaint about life or one's situation; lamentation. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| transpose |
to exchange the position or order of (two things). |
| uxorial |
of, pertaining to, or befitting a wife. |