| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| fulminate |
to vehemently denounce or criticize something. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |