| bauble |
a showy or gaudy trinket or ornament of little value. |
| conjecture |
the making of a guess or inference, especially with little evidence. |
| criteria |
a set of standards or tests by which to judge or decide something. |
| detriment |
harm, injury, or loss. |
| dignitary |
one who holds a high office or rank. |
| fatalism |
a belief or doctrine that the events of life are predetermined and cannot be altered by human free will. |
| gainsay |
to deny or contradict. |
| incense2 |
to make very angry. |
| leaven |
to produce fermentation in (dough or batter), consequently causing the dough or batter to rise in the process of baking. |
| malevolent |
wishing or doing evil to others; ill-willed; malicious. |
| mystical |
spiritually powerful, significant, or symbolic. |
| pilgrimage |
a usually long trip undertaken for religious purposes, such as to visit a holy place. |
| protégé |
a person under the care or sponsorship of an influential patron. |
| tepid |
not quite warm; lukewarm. |
| veracity |
conformance to fact; accuracy; truth. |