escoffionnouna horned or heart-shaped headdress worn by noblewomen and upper-class women during the Late Middle Ages (roughly 1250 to 1500), particularly in the 15th century.
marjoramnounany of various usually fragrant and aromatic Old World mints (genus Origanum) often used as seasoning.
goafnounthe empty void or waste left behind after a mineral (such as coal) has been partially or entirely extracted from a mine; also known as gob.
unbungedadjectivedescribing an object, typically a barrel, cask, or keg, that has had its stopper (bung) removed.
obstreperousadjectivemarked by unruly or aggressive noisiness; clamorous.
ephebenouna young man; an ephebus.
energumennouna person possessed by or as if by an evil spirit; demoniac.
imbroglionounan acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding.
campanilenouna usually freestanding bell tower.
abattoirnouna place where animals are butchered; slaughterhouse.
pedipalpnounthe second pair of appendages near the mouth in arachnids and other chelicerates.
calumniateverbto make false, malicious statements about someone in order to damage their reputation.
fideicommissumnouna legal mechanism in estate planning and property law where a testator bequeaths assets to a beneficiary with the instruction to pass those assets onto a subsequent beneficiary upon a specific condition or timeframe.
archivoltnounan ornamental molding or band that runs along the underside or face of an arched opening.
trepanationnounan ancient surgical procedure in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull.
condottieronouna leader of professional, mercenary armies in Italy during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.
gonfalonnouna distinctive type of heraldic flag or ceremonial banner that hangs vertically from a horizontal crossbar rather than being attached directly to a vertical pole.
defenestrationnounthe act of throwing someone or something out of a window.
oubliettenouna secret, inescapable dungeon cell, accessible only through a hatch or hole in the high ceiling.
morganaticadjectiveof, relating to, or being a marriage between a member of a royal or noble family and a person of inferior rank in which the rank of the inferior partner remains unchanged and the children of the marriage do not succeed to the titles, fiefs, or entailed property of the parent of higher rank.
syzygynounthe nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (such as the sun, moon, and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse) in a gravitational system.
badinagenounhumorous, light-hearted, and playful conversation or banter.
incommodeverbto cause trouble, inconvenience, or discomfort to someone.
flaconnouna small, often decorative bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or cap.
latifundiumnouna great landed estate or large agricultural property.
suzerainnouna superior feudal lord to whom fealty is due; an overlord.
tenebrousadjectivedark, shadowy, or obscure.
misericordnouna medieval dagger used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe.
millinernouna person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats.
bodkinnounan ornamental hairpin shaped like a stiletto.
lugubriousadjectivemournful, dismal, or gloomy, often to an exaggerated or unrelieved degree.
anserineadjectiveof, relating to, or resembling a goose.
menhirnouna single upright rough monolith usually of prehistoric origin.
sapphicadjectiveof or relating to women who love women.
tippleverbto drink alcohol, especially habitually.
croupiernounthe person in charge of a gaming table, gathering in and paying out money or tokens.
chiaroscuronounthe interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character).
mangonelnouna military engine formerly used to throw missiles.
onagernouna heavy catapult used in ancient and medieval times.
putschnouna secretly plotted and suddenly executed attempt to overthrow a government.
schtumadjectivesilent, quiet, or speechless.
pogromnouna violent, targeted riot or mob attack directed against a specific ethnic, religious, or national minority.
fetlocknouna projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal.
kaftannouna usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East.
cortegenouna procession, especially a funeral procession.
decurionnouna Roman cavalry officer in command of 10 men.
decoctverbto boil down; concentrate.
castanetnouna percussion instrument used especially by dancers that consists of two small shells of hard wood, ivory, or plastic usually fastened to the thumb and clicked together by the other fingers — usually used in plural.
fulminateverbto utter or send out with denunciation.
fascinenouna long bundle of sticks of wood bound together and used for such purposes as filling ditches and making revetments for riverbanks.
voivodenouna title denoting a military leader or warlord in Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe in use since the Early Middle Ages.
moulinetnouna sword-fighting technique—especially in sabre or historical fencing—where the weapon makes a circular, twirling motion with the wrist and elbow to gain momentum for a cutting strike.
prosceniumnounthe stage of an ancient Greek or Roman theater.
argentadjectivethe heraldic color silver or white.
valisenounsuitcase.
pinaforenouna sleeveless usually low-necked garment fastened in the back and worn as an apron or dress.
disquisitionnouna long, formal, and elaborate written report or speech that provides a detailed, systematic analysis of a specific topic.
taffetanouna crisp, smooth, high-sheen fabric traditionally made from silk, though modern versions often use polyester or nylon.
espalierverbtrain (a tree or shrub) to grow flat against a wall.
ombudsmannouna government official who investigates and tries to resolve complaints, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation.
panniersnounbags, baskets, or containers, usually in pairs, slung over the sides of bicycles, motorcycles, or pack animals to carry gear.
planchetnouna small metal or plastic disk.
tisanenounan infusion (as of dried herbs) used as a beverage or for medicinal effects.
besottedadjectiveutterly infatuated.
febrileadjectivemarked or caused by fever; feverish.
ebulliencenounthe quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings; exuberance.
puerilitynounthe quality or state of being a child.
affianceverbto solemnly promise (oneself or another) in marriage; betroth.
triskelionnounan ancient symbol featuring three interlocking spirals or bent legs radiating from a central point.
hauteurnounarrogance; haughtiness.
megrimsnounan archaic term for severe headaches (migraines), dizziness, or a state of depression and whimsical caprice.
internecineadjectivedestructive to both sides in a conflict.
maquillagenounmakeup; cosmetics.
minaretnouna tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin.
debouchverbemerge from a narrow or confined space into a wide, open area.
tutelaryadjectiveserving as a protector, guardian, or patron.
viandsnounan item of food.
pillionnoun(historical) a cushion attached to the back of a saddle for an additional passenger.
gunnelnounthe upper edge of a ship's or boat's side (less common spelling of gunwale).
divannouna long seat formed of a mattress laid against the side of a room, upon the floor, or a raised structure or frame, with cushions to lean against.
bagnionouna brothel.
integumentnouna tough outer protective layer, especially that of an animal or plant.
stevedorenouna person employed, or a contractor engaged, at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships.
stertorousadjective(of breathing) noisy and labored.
invidiousadjective(of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others.
emollientadjectivemaking soft or supple; also: soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane.
habilimentsnounclothing.
salubriousadjectivehealth-giving; healthy.
cupolanouna small, dome-like structure that sits on top of a building, often crowning a larger roof or dome.
xisteranouna jai alai cesta, a long, curved wicker scoop worn on the hand to catch and throw a ball in the sport of jai alai.
plimsollnouna British term for a flat, light, canvas sneaker with a rubber sole.
consarnedadjectivedamned or confounded (used as a mild imprecation).
frottagenounthe practice of touching or rubbing against the clothed body of another person in a crowd as a means of obtaining sexual gratification.
secateursnouna pair of pruning clippers for use with one hand.
importuneverbharass someone persistently for or to do something; also, approach someone to request or offer sexual services.
solenoidnouna coil of wire that acts as an electromagnet when an electric current passes through it, creating a magnetic field that can move a movable core to produce mechanical motion.
obdurateadjectivestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
didoesnouna mischievous trick or prank.
nebbishnouna person, especially a man, who is regarded as pitifully ineffectual, timid, or submissive.
mendaciousadjectivenot telling the truth; lying.
landaunouna four-wheel carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be folded away or removed and with a raised seat outside for the driver.
munificentadjectivemore generous than usual or necessary.
propinquitynounthe state of being close to someone or something; proximity. Or a close kinship.
fullernouna grooved or rounded tool used to shape iron on.
effluviumnounan unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion or discharge.
fantodnounan emotional outburst.
tautologynouna phrase in which the same thing is said twice in different words.
punctiliousadjectiveshowing great attention to detail and or correct behavior.
trammelnouna restriction or impediment to someone's freedom of action.
redoubtnouna temporary military fortification that has no flanking defenses.
sobriquetnouna person's nickname.
annuletnouna charge in the form of a small ring.
vavasornouna feudal tenant ranking directly below a baron.
diasporanounthe dispersion of a people from their original homeland.
pastichenounan artistic work in a style that imitates another work, artist or period.
décolletagenounthe low-cut neckline of a dress.
plangentadjectiveloud, reverberating and melancholy.
exurbnouna district outside a city and beyond the suburbs, typically prosperous.
cuissenouna piece of armor for the front of the thigh.
carafenouna bottle with a flared lip used to hold beverages; usually wine.
calumnynounthe making of false and defamatory statements about someone.
columbariumnouna structure that holds cremated remains.
underfedadjectiveinsufficiently nourished.
skerrynouna small, rocky island that is too small for human habitation.
caterwaulingverbto make a shrill howling or wailing noise.
nostrumnounan ineffective medicine prepared by an unqualified individual.
unguentnouna soft, viscous substance used as an ointment or lubricant.
japerynounthe act of acting foolish and mocking.
caliphatenounan institution under the leadership of an Islamic steward who is considered as a successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the leader of the Muslim world.
catafalquenouna decorated wooden framework supporting a coffin of a distinguished person.
caissonnouna large watertight chamber that is open at the bottom.
obeisancenouna gesture of deferential respect such as a bow or curtsy.
crenellationsnounthe battlements of a castle.
mawkishadjectivesentimental in a feeble way.
pellucidadjectivetranslucently clear.
balusternounan upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft found in stairways.
inimicaladjectiveunfriendly; hostile.
tureennouna deep and covered bowl used for serving foods.
lambentadjectiveglowing or flickering with a soft radiance.
slatternnouna dirty, untidy woman.
lissomeadjectivethin, supple and graceful.
hostlernounsomeone employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn.
cozenverbto trick or deceive.
wealnouna red, swollen mark left on the flesh as a result of a blow.
tonsureverbto shave the hair on top of a monk's head.
mendicantnouna beggar.
harridannouna strict, bossy old woman.
charneladjectiveassociated with death.
serriedadjectivestanding close together.
doffverbto take off one's hat as a greeting and show of respect.
tessellateverbto decorate or cover with a pattern of repeated shapes.
gravidadjectivefull of meaning or a specified quality.
gobbetnouna piece or lump of flesh.
paroxysmnouna sudden attack/expression of a particular emotion.
ponassverbto cook fish over a fire with minimal equipment; usually trout.
gelidadjectiveextremely cold.
caparisonnounan ornamental covering on a horse's saddle or harness.
ensorcellverbto enchant or fascinate.
quintainnouna post set up as a mark in tilting with a lance.
pennonnouna long, triangular streamer attached to the head of a lance.
biernouna movable frame that a coffin or corpse is placed upon prior to a burial or cremation.
alembicnouna distilling apparatus.
merlonnounthe solid part of an embattled parapet between two embrasures.
limpetsnouna group of aquatic snails with a conical shell and a strong, muscular foot.
coraclenouna small, round boat made of wickerwork and covered with a watertight material.
baldricnouna belt for a sword or weapon; worn over the shoulder.
seneschalnounthe steward of a medieval great house.
cubitnounan ancient measure of length; approximately the length of a forearm.
verdigrisnouna green/bluish deposit formed on copper, brass or bronze surfaces.
libationnouna drink poured as an offering to a higher being.
mottleverbto mark with spots or smears of color.
stodgyadjectivedull and uninspired.
bolenounthe trunk of a tree.
susurrationnounwhispering or rustling.
moribundadjectiveat the point of death.
floridadjectivehaving a red or flushed complexion.
plenaryadjectiveunqualified yet absolute; in reference to powers.
garretnouna top-floor or attic room; typically small and dismal.
elideverbto omit a sound or syllable when speaking.
desultoryadjectivelacking a plan, purpose or enthusiasm.
metaplasmnounthe alteration of regular verbal, grammatical or rhetorical structure via transposition of letters or syllables.
mandamusnouna judicial writ serving as a command to an inferior court.
panoplynouna splendid display and or collection of things.
caromverbto strike and rebound.
expurgatedadjectivehaving had objectionable matter removed from a text or an account.
ribaldadjectivereferring to sexual matters in an irreverent way.
bailiwicknounone's area of interest or sphere of operations.
miennounsomeone's look or manner.
defalcationnounthe act of embezzling or failture to meet a promise or an expectation.
convivialitynounthe quality of being friendly and full of life.
bellicositynouna natural disposition towards violence and fighting.
morassnounan area of muddy ground.
philternouna love potion.
extemporizeverbto compose, perform or produce something without preparation; improvise.
poulticenouna soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to alleviate soreness and inflammation; usually plant or flour based.
abjureverbto solemnly renounce a belief or cause.
suppletionnounthe occurrence of an unrelated form to fill a gap in conjugation; such as went as the past tense to gold.
docentnouna person who acts as a guide, usually on a voluntary basis.
bucolicadjectiverelating to the pleasant characteristics of the countryside.
cavalcadenouna formal procession of people walking, riding horses or in vehicles.
hirsuteadjectivehairy.
menarchenounthe first occurrence of menstruation.
excoriateverbto censure or criticize (formal), to damage or remove part of the skin (medicine).
indigentadjectivepoor; needy.
anhedonianounthe inability to feel pleasure.
coruscatingadjectiveflashing or sparkling.
filigreenounornamental work of fine wire, usually gold or silver.
passerinenouna bird of the order Passeriformes, commonly known as perching birds.
trunnionnouna point on which something can be rotated or tilted.
alluviumnouna deposit of sendiment left by flowing water; usually results in fertile soil.
lassitudenounphysical or mental weariness.
atavisticadjectiverelating to something ancient or ancestral.
lorgnettenouna pair of glasses held in front of the eyes via a long handle to one side.
redolentadjectivestrongly reminiscent or suggestive of something.
stentorianadjectiveloud and powerful; relating to the voice.
extirpateverbto destroy or remove completely.
frondnounthe leaflike part of a palm or fern.
parturitionnounthe act of giving birth to young.
epistolaryadjectivein the form of letters (literary works).
inchoateadjectivenot fully formed or developed.
orrerynounan apparatus displaying the relative positions and motions of bodies in a solar system via clockwork.
penumbranounsomething that covers or obscures.
fecunditynounthe ability to produce ample offspring or ideas.
hors de combatadjectiveout of combat; disabled.
augurverbto foretell events usually via omens.
massifnouna principal mountain pass.
hosannasinterjectioncries of acclamation or adoration.
incipientadjectiveto become apparent.
impecuniousadjectivehabitually having little to no money.
paucitynounsmallness of quantity.
haranguenouna ranting speech.
peripateticadjectivemoving or traveling from place to place.
suppurateverbto form or discharge pus.
surfeitnounan overabundant supply.
antipodaladjectivesituated at the opposite side of the earth.
brocadenouna fabric containing raised designs; typically in silver and gold.
chortensnouna Tibetan Buddhist monument.
crepuscularadjectiveoccurring during twilight.
garrulousadjectiveprone to rambling; annoyingly talkative.
parvenunounone that has suddenly attained a position of power or wealth but has not earned the associated respect or dignity.
cognoscentinounone with expert knowledge in a subject or field.
mellifluousadjectivehaving a smooth flow.
jodhpurnounan ankle-high boot that is buckled at the side.
ablutionsnounthe building on a military base that contains bathing and toilet facilities.
anisettenouna colorless sweet liequeur made from aniseed.
inculcateverbto instill via frequent instruction and repition.
frontispiecenounan illustration that faces the title page of a book.
treaclenouna think, dark syrup made from refined sugar; mainly British.
diffidentadjectiveshy due to a lack of self-confidence.
tussocknouna compact tuft of grass or sedge.
irasicbleadjectivehot-tempered or easily angered.
petrichornouna pleasant aroma from the first rain following a dry period.
abrogateverbto abolish via action by an authority.
anechoicadjectivefree from echo or reverb.
cordonnouna line of people or objects preventing passage.
manaclenouna shackle for the wrist, used as a restraint.
oeuvrenounthe works of an artists regarded collectively.
emolumentsnouna salary or fee from employment or office.
subornverbto bribe someone to commit an unlawful deed.
macadamnounroadway or pavement with a binder.
pallornounpaleness of the face.
crepitusnounthe grating sound from friction between bone and cartilage.
chignonnouna knot of hair worn near the neck.
roentgennouna unit of ionizing radiation.
castigateverbto subject to extreme punishment or criticism.
diegeticadjectiveexisting within the world of a narrative to the point the characters within the world are aware of it.
pareidolianounthe tendency to discern a meaningful image in a random visual pattern.
licentiousadjectivelacking legal or moral restraints.
couturenounthe business of creating and selling fashionable, custom clothing.
embochurenounthe position and use of the mouth when playing a wind instrument.
laconicadjectiveconcise almost to the point of rudeness.
geodesicadjectivecomprised of light and straight structural elements.
concomitantadjectiveaccompanying in a subordinate manner.
maudlinadjectiveoverly sentimental.
abeyancenouna state of temporary inactivity.
abscondverbto leave hurriedly, usually to avoid detection.
rapaciousadjectiveaggressively greedy.
jingoismnounextreme patriotism, most often demonstrated via aggressive foreign policy.
perspicaciousadjectivehaving a ready insight into and understanding of things.
suffuseverbgradually spread through or over.
iniquitynounimmoral or grossly unfair behavior.
appellationnouna name or title.
cognomennounan extra personal name given to an ancient Roman citizen; functioning like a nickname.
prolegomenonnouna formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work.
prignounone who offends or irritates.
cyclamennounplants of the primrose family having showy nodding flowers.
hegemonicnounhaving complete dominion or power.
ameliorateverbto make better or more tolerable.
nascentadjectivecoming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.
anathemanounsomeone or something that is detested or shunned.
demiurgenouna being responsible for the creation of the universe.
ludditenounsomeone who is opposed or resistant to new technologies or technological change.
shibbolethnouna custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.
iconoclastnouna person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.
fusilladenouna series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
inimitableadjectiveso good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique.
perniciousadjectivehaving a harmful effect in a gradual or subtle manner.
condignadjectiveappropriate to the punishment of the crime, fitting, deserved.
umbragenounoffense or annoyance.
melangenouna mixture or medley.
desiccateverbto dry thoroughly.
putativeadjectivegenerally considered or reputed to be.
assiduouslyadverbwith great care and perseverance.
aspersionnounan attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.
impingeverbto have an impact on or make an impression; to encroach or infringe upon.
exigencynounan urgent need or demand.
synodicadjectiverelating to conjunction.
erminenounany of several weasels whose coats become white in winter.
somnolencenounthe quality or state of being drowsy.
obsequiousadjectivemarked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness.
querulousadjectivehabitually complaining.
soporificadjectivecausing or tending to cause sleep.
pedagogynounthe art, science, or profession of teaching.
timorouslyadjectiveof a timid disposition.
seichenounan oscillation of the surface of a landlocked body of water that varies in period from a few minutes to several hours.
improvidentadjectivenot foreseeing and providing for the future.
contrivancenounan artificial arrangement or development.
slovenlyadjectivecareless; excessively casual.
festoonverbto adorn a place with ribbons, garlands, or other decorations.
reconnoiterverbto make a military observation of (a region).
scansionnounthe action of scanning a line of verse to determine its rhythm.
intransigencenounrefusal to change one's views or to agree about something.
vittlesnounprovisions or eatables.
furtiveadjectiveattempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
autarkynouneconomic independence or self-sufficiency.
bivouacnouna temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or mountaineers.
bien-pensantsnouna right thinking or orthodox person.
remonstrancenounan earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance.
parsimoniousadjectiveunwilling to spend money or use resources.
semaphorenouna variable or abstract data type used to control access to a common resource.
presagenounsomething that foreshadows or portends a future event.
vituperationnounnoun that refers to critical or abusive language.
pollyannishadjectiveirrepressibly or excessively optimistic; capable of seeing good in anyone.
rivuletnouna small stream.
recriminationnouna retaliatory accusation.
gaucheadjectivelacking social experience or grace.