| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |