| travesty | humorous imitation |
| impose | to apply by force |
| piquant | spicy |
| diatribe | abusive denunciation |
| appease | quieten |
| sumptuous | lavish |
| hedonism | pursuit of |
| castigate | inflict severe punishment |
| orotund | full in sound |
| brink | edge |
| pluck | daring |
| wrest | obtain by pulling |
| brazen | shameless |
| harridan | vicious |
| encumber | to place a heavy load on |