Uncommon

riposte

[ri-pohst]

a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism

cajole

[kuh-johl]

to persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax

terpsichorean

[turp-si-kuh-ree-uhn]

pertaining to dancing

manavelins

[muh-nav-uh-linz]

miscellaneous pieces of gear and material

purl

[purl]

knitting; to knit with a reverse stitch

svelte

[svelt]

slim; slender in figure or lithe

milquetoast

[milk-tohst]

a very timid, unassertive, spineless person, especially one who is easily dominated or intimidated

ignominious

[ig-nuh-min-ee-uhs]

marked by or attended with ignominy; discreditable, humiliating

oligopoly

[ol-i-gop-uh-lee]

the market condition that exists when there are few sellers, as a result of which they can greatly influence price and other market factors

capricious

[kuh-prish-uhs]

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

ostensible

[o-sten-suh-buhl]

outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended

eucatastrophe

[yoo-kuh-ta-struh-fee]

a sudden and favorable resolution of events in a story; a happy ending

comminatory

[kom-uh-ney-tuh-ree]

a threat of punishment or vengeance

alembic

[uh-lem-bik]

anything that transforms, purifies, or refines

lucubrate

[loo-kyoo-breyt]

to work, write, or study laboriously, especially at night and by lamplight

cognizance

[kog-nuh-zuhns]

awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception

irenic

[ahy-ren-ik]

tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory

ubuntu

[oo-boon-too]

humanity or fellow feeling; kindness

ensconce

[en-skons]

to settle securely or snugly; to cover or shelter; hide securely

limerence

[li-mer-uhns]

the state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person, typically experienced involuntarily and characterized by a strong desire for reciprocation of one's feelings but not primarily for a sexual relationship

skerrick

[sker-ik]

a small piece or quantity; a bit

schmooze

[shmooz]

to chat idly; gossip

fetching

[fech-ing]

charming; captivating

pervade

[per-veyd]

to become spread throughout all parts of