| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| eulogy |
a spoken or written tribute, especially to honor a dead person; high praise; formal commendation. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| periphrasis |
an indirect or roundabout way of phrasing something; circumlocution. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |