| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| indistinct |
not clearly perceived or perceiving. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| jeremiad |
a long complaint about life or one's situation; lamentation. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |