| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |