| bellicose |
easily incited to quarrel or fight; belligerent. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| ineluctable |
impossible to be avoided; inescapable. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |