threadbare
having the nap worn away so that the threads show through
obstinate
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
adage
a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
quibble
evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
interminable
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
contumely
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
resolutely
showing firm determination or purpose
regnant
exercising power or authority
pretence
the act of giving a false appearance
ultramontane
on or relating to or characteristic of the region or peoples beyond the Alps from Italy (or north of the Alps)
hanker
desire strongly or persistently
incantation
a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect
enigma
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
nominalism
(philosophy) the doctrine that the various objects labeled by the same term have nothing in common but their name
excogitate
reflect deeply on a subject
brevity
the attribute of being brief or fleeting
unanimity
everyone being of one mind
eccentric
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
graft
(surgery) tissue or organ transplanted from a donor to a recipient; in some cases the patient can be both donor and recipient
malleable
capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
incorrigible
impervious to correction by punishment
impudent
improperly forward or bold
coarse
of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
haughty
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
pallid
abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
genial
diffusing warmth and friendliness
empyrean
of or relating to the sky or heavens
