| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| apocryphal |
of dubious authorship or authority. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| divergence |
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| peroration |
the concluding part of a speech in which there is a summing up of the principal points. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |