palimpsest: a parchment from which writing has been erased to make room for another text












pedantic: overly concerned with minute details

debase: to reduce in value or dignity
pungent: sharply affecting taste or smell
catkins: drooping cluster of cylindrical flowers


servile: submissive; fawning
surly: rude; unfriendly; bad-tempered
stipple: a painting made with dots or small spots