| burlesque |
a book, play, skit, or the like that mocks something by comically treating it with inappropriate seriousness or levity. |
| contraband |
goods banned by law from being imported or exported. |
| encumbrance |
something or someone that hinders or burdens; impediment. |
| epitaph |
on a gravestone or tomb, an inscription commemorating the dead person. |
| grievous |
causing emotional or physical suffering; painful. |
| mettlesome |
spirited or courageous. |
| opulence |
the condition of being luxuriant and costly. |
| portend |
to serve as a sign or warning of; bode. |
| profane |
irreverent or irreligious; blasphemous. |
| retrospect |
reflection on the past or on past events or achievements. |
| ribald |
characterized by or using rude, coarse, or vulgar language or humor. |
| scrimmage |
a vigorous struggle; scuffle. |
| treatise |
a detailed and formal written work, usually dealing systematically with a single theme or subject. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |
| wizened |
shriveled or dried up. |