1. drolatic — humorous, comically strange
The drolatic characters and incidents in John Kennedy Toole’s prize-winning novel sometimes conceal and sometimes reveal the deep philosophic roots of this posthumously published fiction.
2. jodhpurs — riding pants cut very loosely over the hips and thighs with a tight fit from the calf to the ankle
Though some associate jodhpurs with military uniforms, especially those of World War I, they have their roots in peacetime riding, as they were specifically designed to be practical for wear while playing polo.
3. serry — to press close together (usu. in ranks)
The terra-cotta warriors stood serried in the large flat tomb.
4. quillon — one of two pieces making up the cross guard of a sword
He caught the fearsome blow of the black knight’s claymore on the quillon of his own broadsword, though he was disarmed by the attack.
5. surcease — cessation or stop, esp. when temporary
He desperately desired surcease from the mental anguish that had become his constant companion since the last full moon.
6. croodle — to crouch down; to draw oneself together, as for warmth; to cling closely to a person
The baby boy had fallen asleep as he croodled his father with tiny fingers enmeshed in the man’s long beard and with his face tucked deeply into the crook formed between his parent’s neck and shoulder.
7. oleograph — picture printed in oil colors on cloth or canvas in imitation of an oil painting
Above the monstrous fireplace stood an oleograph of Joe Isuzu dressed in 16th-Century Flemish garb, a human skull held in his left hand while his right stroked his chin in contemplation.
8. hunker — to squat on the heels with acutely bent haunches, knees, and ankles
The aging catcher grimaced with pain as he hunkered behind the plate to await the payoff pitch.
9. plenilunar — of or relating to the full moon
Moonbathing in the plenilunar rays the naked witch swayed from side to side, seeming quite comfortable and relaxed despite the chilly temperature.
10. feculent — full of dregs or feces
“Hie yourself back to the feculent swamp from which you arose, you pestilent product of crossbreeding a dungheap with a floating pile of offal.”