| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| bellicose |
easily incited to quarrel or fight; belligerent. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| sepsis |
infection, especially by pus-forming bacteria in the blood or tissues. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |