| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| sepsis |
infection, especially by pus-forming bacteria in the blood or tissues. |