| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| 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. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| uxorious |
excessively or foolishly devoted to one's wife, and often thereby submissive to her. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |