| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| irrefragable |
impossible to refute or dispute; undeniable. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |