| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| noisome |
offensive or disgusting, especially in smell; foul. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| syntax |
the word order or pattern of word order in a sentence. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |