| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| peripatetic |
walking or traveling around; going from place to place; itinerant. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |