metamorphosis
n. a transformation or dramatic change
donnybrook
n. a fight; an uproar
nonchalant
adj. unconcerned; indifferent
vestige
n. a trace or evidence of something that once existed
interlocutor
n. someone who participates in a conversation
procrustean
adj. strictly disregarding individual differences or circumstances
stygian
adj. dark and forbidding
sophistry
n. a deliberately deceptive or misleading argument
carte blanche
n. boundless authority; unlimited power to act
incantation
n. a chant; a recited magical spell
cosmopolitan
adj. worldly; sophisticated
rife
adj. abundant; prevalent
nomenclature
n. technical names or naming system in an art or science
brigand
n. a robber or bandit
contemptuous
adj. haughty; scornful