1. epicene — having both male and female characteristics; weak, feeble
Michael York strikes an epicene note in his portrayal of Brian Roberts in Cabaret.
2. tonneau — rear compartment of an automobile, esp. in earlier models
While it may be fun to drive, you cannot store much in the tonneau of a 1962 Morgan Plus 4, so try to find one with a luggage rack if possible.
3. demilune — crescent; half-moon shape; triangular-shaped outwork open at rear, ravelin
Inside the demilune were now many buildings—stables, barracks, even a smithy—which had slowly been added during the long years of peace.
4. derogate — to lessen in authority or esteem; to partially repeal or abrogate
We do not believe his latest work in any way tends to derogate from the high regard his creative talents have always enjoyed.
5. baldachin — rich brocade; canopy over a throne, altar, or doorway
Not only did the fine baldachin over the Sun King’s ceremonial bed provide the necessary pomp for his intimate meetings with trusted associates, the curtains could be pulled shut to signal the end of the session at need.
6. muniment — document establishing claim to rights or privileges (usu. in plural); means of defense or protection
His claim was all the more unshakeable, supported as it was by muniments of indubitable authenticity.
7. lither — (obsolete) wicked, bad; weakened, impotent
Some troublement of heart or evil night’s vision has turned him from a bold yeoman to a lither coward who shirks his duty and hides from battle.
8. socage — tenure of land by rent or service not including military service
As wars became more dependent upon ready cash than upon the often uncertain performance of independent lords in armor, the crown became more willing to grant title to manors through socage as opposed to the feudal knight-service.
9. arabesque — fanciful decoration or ornament combining figures, flora, and fauna in flowing lines; fantastic, oddly mixed
As I looked more closely at the arabesque decorations upon the smoke-darkened tapestry I made out figures strangely out of place with the overall religious theme, bizarre grotesqueries more suited to Bosch than to a spinster’s study.
10. chemotropic — characterized by movement or growth in response to a particular substance
Introduced to the drug at such an early age, it is not entirely surprising that Pete evinced an almost chemotropic reaction in his pursuit of more and stronger highs.
Bonus Vocabulary
(trademark)
Bibendum — official name of the Michelin Man, from early advertising showing the mascot drinking glass and nails, with the slogan (from Horace) “Nunc est bibendum” (Now is the time to drink)
Eileen Gray’s striking armchair was inspired by Michelin’s Bibendum, and bears the same name.