| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |