| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| perilous |
causing or involving great danger; risky; hazardous. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |
| stately |
dignified. |