| apocryphal |
of dubious authorship or authority. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| 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. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| macerate |
to soften (food or the like) by soaking, as in digestion. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| sententious |
using or marked by pompous, high-flown moralizing. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |