| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| banal |
lacking originality or liveliness; disappointingly ordinary; commonplace; trite. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| disheveled |
not neat; messy. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| insouciant |
having no cares or anxieties; light-hearted; carefree. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| 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. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |