stolid
having or expressing little emotion
gorge
to consume greedily
waft
to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium like water or air
imperceptible
not perceptible by sense or by the mind
tallow
white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle used in soap and candles
tamp
to drive in or down by a succession of light or medium blows
proclivity
an inclination or predisposition toward something, especially something objectionable.
stoke
to poke or stir up a fire, supply with fuel
odious
exciting or deserving repugnance or hatred
rollick
to move or behave in a carefree joyous manner
gilt
covered in gold or something that resembles gold
ravenous
very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification
stagnant
not flowing in a current or stream, not advancing or developing
cacophony
harsh or discordant sound, dissonance
feign
pretend, give a false impression
ruddy
having a healthy reddish color
dictum
an observation or pronouncement intended or regarded as authoritative
titillation
pleasurable excitement or stimulation
tactile
of or relating to the sense of touch, tangible
cadence
a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language or music
suffuse
to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light
profusion
great quantity; lavish display or supply
skepticism
an attitude of doubt or a disposition of incredulity (in general or toward a particular object)
insidious
harmful but enticing; having a gradual but cumulative effect
welter
a chaotic mass or jumble
contemptible
worthy of being despised; being unworthy of respect or reverence
quaver
to utter sound in tremulous tones
girdle
something that encircles or confines
furl
to wrap or roll close to or around something
filigree
ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper in delicate and intricate designs
perfunctory
characterized by routine or superficiality; lacking in interest or enthusiasm
phosphorescence
an enduring luminescence without sensible heat
penance
an act or self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
obscure
not clearly seen or easily distinguished
luminous
bathed in or exposed to steady light; emitting or reflecting steady light
juggernaut
a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement or object that crushes whatever is in its path
incite
to move to action; spur on, stir up, urge on
pedant
a teacher who makes a show of knowledge in an unimaginative way
convolutions
a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous windings
incessant
continuing or following without interruption; unceasing