| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| trabeated |
using horizontal beams or lintels as supports instead of arches. |