| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| 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. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| voluble |
characterized by a steady flow of words; fluent; talkative. |