| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| extrinsic |
not inherent or essential; extraneous. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |