| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| conduction |
the transmission or transfer, as of heat, electrical charges, or nervous impulses, through a medium. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |