| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| pedantic |
making or characterized by an excessive display of learnedness, or overly insistent on scholarly details and formalities. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |