buffoon
a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
sage
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
ruse
a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
flout
treat with contemptuous disregard
precocious
characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
threshold
the starting point for a new state or experience
cunning
showing inventiveness and skill
frippery
something of little value or significance
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
shrine
a place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person
recoil
spring back; spring away from an impact
insidious
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
pillory
a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
flaunt
display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
genteel
marked by refinement in taste and manners
larder
a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
deface
mar or spoil the appearance of
forthright
directly and without evasion; not roundabout
luminary
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
beguile
attract; cause to be enamored
tycoon
a very wealthy or powerful businessman
