| abstruse |
difficult to comprehend or understand; esoteric; arcane. |
| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| incursion |
a raid or sudden invasion. |
| jeremiad |
a long complaint about life or one's situation; lamentation. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |