| apostate |
a person who abandons his or her religious faith, principles, cause, or the like. |
| cogent |
convincing, or compelling by virtue of a strong argument or clear presentation. |
| cordon |
a chain of guards or military stations forming a defense or containment line around an area. |
| deviate |
to turn away from a direct course or one that has already been set. |
| dictum |
a formal or official pronouncement or declaration. |
| epitaph |
on a gravestone or tomb, an inscription commemorating the dead person. |
| lassitude |
lack of mental or physical energy; weariness or listlessness; lethargy. |
| parley |
a discussion, especially between opponents or enemies, as to establish terms of truce. |
| patronage |
the financial or other support given to a business establishment by its customers or clients. |
| prostrate |
to lie or throw (oneself) flat on the ground, especially face down in an act of humility, worship, or the like. |
| punctilious |
strictly adhering to etiquette or formalities. |
| pundit |
an authoritative, or purportedly authoritative, commentator or critic. |
| sedate |
composed and dignified. |
| stoical |
showing little or no emotion in reaction to painful or pleasant experiences. |
| taciturn |
habitually silent and uncommunicative. |