| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| corollary |
a readily drawn conclusion; deduction or inference. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| sagacious |
possessing or characterized by good judgment and common sense; wise. |