vade mecum \vay-dee-MEE-kuhm; vah-dee-MAY-\ (noun) - 1 : A book for ready reference; a manual; a handbook. 2 : A useful thing that one regularly carries about.

"The same day the youth set out on his journey equipped with ...Read More

dictum \DIK-tuhm\ (noun) - 1 : An authoritative statement; a formal pronouncement. 2: Law) A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.

"Some ...Read More

cabal \kuh-BAHL; kuh-BAL\ (noun) - 1 : A secret, conspiratorial association of plotters or intriguers whose purpose is usually to bring about an overturn especially in public affairs. 2 : The schemes or plots of such an ...Read More

maunder \MON-duhr\ (intransitive verb) - 1 : To talk incoherently; to speak in a rambling manner. 2 : To wander aimlessly or confusedly.

"But if it be given to a man 'to maunder away his mind in softness,' he cannot live ...Read More

contretemps \KAHN-truh-tahn\ (noun) - An inopportune or embarrassing situation or event; a hitch.

"For the moment, the author goes from contretemps to contretemps. I have nothing against contretemps. I adore the Inferno. ...Read More

ululate - \UL-yuh-layt; YOOL-\ (intransitive verb) - To howl, as a dog or a wolf; to wail; as, ululating jackals.

"They began to ululate again, rolling their tongues so that their spittle flew as they emitted that ...Read More