| abut |
to adjoin or press against; be next to; border on. |
| abysmal |
of vast extent; unmeasurable; extreme. |
| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |