milquetoast
/ˈmɪlkˌtoʊst/
noun
1 a timid, submissive, unassertive or spineless person. 2 mild of temper…
mollify
[mol-uh-fahy]
verb (used with object)
To soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease…
scofflaw
One who habitually violates minor laws, rules, conventions or accepted practices.
The result of a Prohibition era contest that sought a new word to describe “a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor,” scoff + law.
effloresce
[EF-luh-res]
verb
To burst into bloom; blossom.
Ahh, summertime again. When women’s pale legs effloresce out of hiding.
pugilist
/ˈpyudʒəlɪst/
noun
1 one who fights with his fists. 2 a professional prize fighter…
docent
A tour guide at a museum, art gallery, historical site, etc.
“Today we are the lucky recipients of a private, after-hours tour,” Ed said, as he knocked on the ‘staff only’ door at the back of the Natural History Muesum…
utile
/ˈyutɪl/
adjective
Useful.
Christina has big birthing hips, ample breasts, and the patience of a saint — eminently utile characteristics to look for in a prospective mate.