| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| voluble |
characterized by a steady flow of words; fluent; talkative. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |