Word of the Day Archive/June 2004
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starveling:
one who is starving or being starved; also, poor in quality.
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palliate:
to extenuate; also, to relieve.
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vade
mecum: a book or other thing that one regularly carries about.
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comely:
pleasing to the sight.
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dictum:
an authoritative statement.
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enjoin:
to direct or impose with authority; also, to forbid.
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homily:
a sermon or lecture; also, an inspirational saying or a platitude.
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recumbent:
reclining; lying down.
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sonorous:
yielding sound; impressive in sound.
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bedizen:
to dress or adorn in gaudy manner.
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equanimity:
calmness; composure.
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primogeniture:
the state of being the firstborn; also, an exclusive right of
inheritance that belongs to the eldest son.
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ancillary:
subordinate, subsidiary; auxiliary.
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favonian:
pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.
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trenchant:
forceful and vigorous; also, caustic; also, clear-cut.
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yeasty:
frothy; foamy; spumy, like yeast.
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deipnosophist:
one skilled in table talk.
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jeremiad:
a doleful story; also, a dolorous or angry tirade.
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delectation:
great pleasure; delight.
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pin
money: money for incidental expenses; also, a trivial sum.
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ab
ovo: from the beginning.
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woolgathering:
indulgence in idle daydreaming.
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nolens
volens: whether unwilling or willing.
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quisling:
a collaborator; a traitor.
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misprize:
to despise; also, to undervalue.