| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| ineluctable |
impossible to be avoided; inescapable. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| perilous |
causing or involving great danger; risky; hazardous. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |