| allusion |
an indirect reference to or mention of something. |
| artisan |
a person skilled in making things, especially by using the hands. People such as those who make furniture, quilts, or other crafts are artisans. |
| crony |
a close friend or ally (often used pejoratively). |
| defeatist |
characterized by an acceptance or expectation of failure. |
| demure |
quiet, shy, modest, or reserved in manner. |
| duplicity |
deceitful speech or action. |
| fabricate |
to construct or create. |
| incorrigible |
incapable of being controlled or influenced for the better. |
| licentious |
not within the bounds of morality or propriety, especially with regard to sexual conduct; immoral; lewd. |
| mentor |
someone who plays an important role in another person's life as a guide and teacher. |
| multiplicity |
a large number; abundance. |
| patina |
a greenish, brownish, or reddish crust or film produced by oxidation on the surface of old metals such as bronze and copper. |
| patron |
a regular customer of a shop, restaurant, or some other business. |
| rudiment |
(often plural) something in an initial, imperfect, or undeveloped form. |
| shard |
a piece of a broken object, especially a fragment of pottery or glass. |