| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| uxorial |
of, pertaining to, or befitting a wife. |