Words

Merle (noun) (Scots) (archaic) mu-rl A blackbird Late Middle English via Old French from Latin…

Prosopopoeia (noun) pros-op-up-ee-a A figure of speech in which an abstract thing is personified. Mid…

Consternation (noun) kon-stur-nay-shun A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected. Early 17th…

Hegemony (noun) hej-em-o-nee Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others.…

Entropy (noun) en-trop-ee Lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder. Mid 19th century…

Madrigal (noun) mad-rig-ul A part-song for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically…

Scapula (noun) skap-yu-la The technical name for a shoulder blade Late 16th century from late…

Respeldent (adj) res-plen-dent Attractive and impressive through being richly colourful or sumptuous. Late Middle English…

Cabal (noun) ka-bal A secret political clique or faction. Late 16th century (denoting the Kabbalah):…

Palfrey (noun) (archaic) pawl-free A docile horse used for ordinary riding, especially by women. Middle…