| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| maunder |
to speak in an aimless or foolish way; babble. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| pastiche |
a work of visual art, music, or literature that consists mostly of materials and techniques borrowed from other works, sometimes done as an exercise to learn the technique of others. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| Sabbatarian |
one who observes the Sabbath on Saturday, as Jews and certain Christians. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |