| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| appurtenance |
(plural) equipment or instruments used for a given purpose; gear. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| sententious |
using or marked by pompous, high-flown moralizing. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |