| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| bellicose |
easily incited to quarrel or fight; belligerent. |
| brash |
rudely self-assertive; bold; impudent. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| descry |
to see or make out, especially something obscured or at a distance. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| eruct |
to belch forth. |
| hackneyed |
made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |