| asperity |
harshness or roughness, especially of tone or manner. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| hackneyed |
made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |