sugarcoat sug-ar-coat / sho͝og-ər-kōt verb 1. enclosed in sugar or other sweet substance To sugarcoat cranberries, moisten them in frothy egg white and then dip in sugar. From “The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook” by Mary Corpeining Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford 2. to make superficially attractive or more appealing The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat pain and suffering; it gives you something to move past it.... Read More

bard bard / bärd noun 1. a poet, particularly one of great importance or who writes heroic or lyric verse Poetry is the work of the bard and of the people who inspire him. From “Poesia” by Jose Marti, 1853 – 1895 2. a member of an ancient Celtic order or others who composed and recited verses describing legendary exploits of their people, often while playing music There... Read More

miraculous mi-rac-u-lous / mĭ-răk-yə-ləs adjective 1. supernatural; defying the laws of nature Miracles cannot be explained, that is their miraculous nature. May Sarton, 1912 – 1995 2. extraordinary; incredible; astounding Your body is an amazing creation, capable of performing great wonders, but you can destroy that miraculous machine’s potential with an overdose of stress. Harry J. Johnson, 1945 – 2013 3. able to work miracles The secret art... Read More

doxology dox-ol-o-gy / dŏk-sŏl-ə-jē noun 1. a short hymn or verse that expresses praise to God A child of God should be a visible beatitude for joy and happiness, and a living doxology for gratitude and adoration. Charles Spurgeon, 1834 – 1892

pontificate pon-tif-i-cate / pŏn-tĭf-ĭ-kĭt, pŏn-tĭf-ĭ-kāt noun 1. (Roman Catholic Church) the office or term of office of the pope [Pope Francis] is 78 years old and knows that his will be a short pontificate. George Weigel, 1951 – verb 1. to speak or express opinions in a pompous or authoritative and unchallengeable manner I don’t spend my time pontificating about high-concept things; I spend my time solving... Read More

pestilence pes-ti-lence / pĕs-tə-ləns noun 1. any deadly contagious epidemic of a disease or virus A pestilence follows a famine. Latin Proverb 2. an evil power or idea that causes great harm or destruction No worst pestilence than a familiar enemy. English Proverb

bait bait / bāt noun 1. food used to lure or entice fish or animals The fish does not go after the hook, but after the bait. Czech Proverb 2. something that entices or allures; a temptation Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it. Thomas Jefferson, 1743 – 1826 verb 1. to place a lure on a hook... Read More

grail or holy grail grail / grāl noun 1. Grail, the cup or chalice used by Christ at the last supper, according to medieval legend, and was long sought after by knights due to its purported powers The Grail was believed to have magic properties, although this idea was likely based on vessels from Celtic mythology that supposedly could satisfy the needs and wishes of anyone... Read More

foolery fool-er-y / fo͞o-lə-rē noun (plural fooleries) 1. behavior or speech that is silly or lacks good judgement Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere. From “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare, 1564 – 1616 2. an instance of silly or foolish behavior or speech; a prank My soul, never laugh at sin’s fooleries, lest thou come to smile at sin itself. Charles... Read More

embattle em-bat-tle / ĕm-băt-l verb 1. fortify against attack But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause –such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy? From “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville, 1819 – 1891 2. set in battle array; to arm and prepare for battle Where having followed it under vigilant eyes till... Read More