subtext (n) -- the underlying or implicit meaning, as of a literary work

mitigate (v) -- to moderate (a quality or condition) in force or intensity; alleviate

effete (adj.) -- depleted of vitality, force, or effectiveness; exhausted

felicitous (adj.) -- admirably suited; apt: the random question which was not felicitous, obviously, to the forum's conversation

gingivitis (n) -- inflammation of the gums, characterized by redness and swelling, in response to bacterial biofilms (AKA plaque)

pathogenic (adj.) -- capable of causing disease

ossuary (adj.) -- a container or receptacle, such as an urn or a vault, for holding the bones of the dead

paisley (adj.) -- made of a soft wool fabric with a colorful, woven or printed and swirled pattern of abstract curved shapes; marked by this pattern

recrudesce (v) -- to break out anew or come into renewed activity, as after a period of quiescence

quiescent (adj.) -- being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive

alias (n) -- an assumed name: The Baron Montague IV was Hornsby's primal alias

poignant (adj.) -- profoundly moving; touching

itinerant (adj./n) -- traveling from place to place, especially to perform work or a duty; one who does this

pulchritudinous (adj.) -- characterized by or having great physical beauty and appeal

volatile (adj.) -- tending to vary often or widely, as in price

wendigo (n) -- from Algonquian: an evil spirit or cannibal

chauvinistic (adj.) -- militant devotion to and glorification of one's country; fanatical patriotism

siriasis (n) -- sudden prostration due to exposure to the sun or excessive heat

prostrate (adj./v) -- lying face down, as in submission or adoration; to cause to do this

importunate (adj.) -- troublesomely urgent or persistent in requesting; pressingly entreating: an importunate madam in search of her lost cockatoo