| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| putrefaction |
the act or process of rotting or decomposing. |
| somatic |
of or pertaining to the body itself; corporeal. |
| stochastic |
of, or arising from chance or probability. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |