Word of the Day Archive/October 2001
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approbation:
formal or official approval; also, praise.
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dishabille:
the state of being carelessly or partially dressed.
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clerisy:
the intelligentsia.
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debouch:
to emerge; to issue.
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epicene:
having the characteristics of both the male and the female.
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hubris:
overbearing pride or presumption.
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gustatory:
pertaining to the sense of taste.
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ken:
cognizance; view; especially, reach of sight or knowledge.
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recherche:
exotic; rare; also, affected, pretentious.
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chimera:
a mental fabrication.
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mulct:
to defraud.
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hector:
to bully or harass.
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disquisition:
a formal discourse on a subject.
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tatterdemalion:
a person dressed in tattered clothing.
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panjandrum:
an important or self-important official.
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serendipity:
the faculty or phenomenon of making fortunate accidental discoveries.
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extemporaneous:
composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment.
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copse:
a thicket of small trees.
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popinjay:
a vain and talkative person.
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embonpoint:
plumpness of person.
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idyll:
a poem or prose work depicting rural or pastoral life; also, a
carefree episode or experience.
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redoubtable:
formidable; also, illustrious; eminent.
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tenet:
any opinion, principle, or doctrine held to be true.
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benison:
blessing; benediction.
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arcanum:
a secret; a mystery.
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diablerie:
sorcery; also, mischievous conduct.
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eldritch:
unearthly; weird; eerie.