cos·set (k s  t)
tr.v. cos·set·ed, cos·set·ing, cos·sets
To pamper.
n.
A pet, especially a pet lamb.
[Possibly from Anglo-Norman coscet, pet lamb, from Middle English cotsete, cottage-dweller, from Old English cots
 ta : cot, cottage + sta, -ste, inhabitant; see sed- in Indo-European roots.] |
trench·ant (tr nch nt)
adj.
1. Forceful, effective, and vigorous: a trenchant argument. See Synonyms at incisive.
2. Caustic; cutting: trenchant criticism.
3. Distinct; clear-cut.
[Middle English, from Old French, cutting, from present participle of trenchier, to cut; see trench.]
trench
an·cy n.
trench
ant·ly adv. |
in·can·ta·tion (n k n-t shn)
n.
1. Ritual recitation of verbal charms or spells to produce a magic effect.
2.
a. A formula used in ritual recitation; a verbal charm or spell.
b. A conventionalized utterance repeated without thought or aptness; a formula: the pious incantations of the administration.
[Middle English incantacioun, from Old French incantation, from Late Latin incant
ti , incanttin-, spell, from Latin incanttus, past participle of incantre, to enchant; see enchant.]
in
can·tation·al adj.
in·can
ta·tory (-t-tôr , -tr) adj. |
pe·num·bra (p-n mbr)
n. pl. pe·num·brae (-br
) or pe·num·bras
1. A partial shadow, as in an eclipse, between regions of complete shadow and complete illumination. See Synonyms at shade.
2. The grayish outer part of a sunspot.
3. An area in which something exists to a lesser or uncertain degree: "The First Amendment has a penumbra where privacy is protected from governmental intrusion" (Joseph A. Califano, Jr.)
4. An outlying surrounding region; a periphery: "Downtown Chicago and its penumbra also stand rejuvenated"(John McCormick).
[New Latin p
numbra : Latin paene, almost + Latin umbra, shadow.]
pe·num
bral, pe·numbrous adj. |
| fet·tle (ftl)
n.
1.
a. Proper or sound condition.
b. Mental or emotional state; spirits: was in fine fettle.
2. Metallurgy Loose sand or ore used to line the hearth of a reverberatory furnace in preparation for pouring molten metal.
tr.v. fet·tled, fet·tling, fet·tles Metallurgy
To line the hearth of (a reverberatory furnace) with loose sand or ore in preparation for pouring molten metal.
[From Middle English fetlen, to make ready, possibly from Old English fetel, girdle.]
|
| in·cul·cate (n-klkt, nkl-)
tr.v. in·cul·cat·ed, in·cul·cat·ing, in·cul·cates
1. To impress (something) upon the mind of another by frequent instruction or repetition; instill: inculcating sound principles.
2. To teach (others) by frequent instruction or repetition; indoctrinate: inculcate the young with a sense of duty.
[Latin inculc
re, inculct-, to force upon : in-, on; see in-2 + calcre, to trample (from calx, calc-, heel).]
in
cul·cation n.
in·cul
cator n. |
