| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| pinchbeck |
false, sham, or counterfeit. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| sententious |
using or marked by pompous, high-flown moralizing. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |