| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |