| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| commodious |
comfortably spacious; roomy. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| maladroit |
not skillful; clumsy; tactless. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |