| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| 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. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |