| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |