| Term | Definition |
| insidious | harmful in a sly way |
| encroached | intruded gradually |
| tenacious | clinging |
| labyrinth | maze |
| mullioned | divided into small window panes |
| spurious | false, counterfeit |
| malevolent | evil |
| sepulchre | tomb, grave |
| furtive | sneaky, secretive |
| panacea | a cure-all |
| ennui | boredom |
| ablutions | washing oneself |
| pomposity | pretentiousness, self-importance |
| tedious | long and boring |
| gaucherie | an awkward or tactless action |
| notorious | known widely and unfavorably |
| mediocre | average, ordinary, not special |
| seclusion | private, being alone |
| provocative | tending to excite or stimulate |
| gossamer | a soft, sheer, gauzy fabric |
| futility | uselessness, ineffectiveness |
| penchant | a strong liking |
| insinuation | a vague and indirect hint |