wayward
difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.
wiles
lure; devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants.
parlay
a cumulative series of bets in which winnings accruing from each transaction are used as a stake for a further bet.
scorn
the feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
coup
a notable or successful stroke or move.
subsistence
the state of remaining in force or effect.
stupor
a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.
stigma
1)a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
2)(in Christian tradition) marks corresponding to those left on Jesus’ body by the Crucifixion, said to have been impressed by divine favor on the bodies of St. Francis of Assisi and others.
dabbed
1)aim at or strike with a light blow.
2) press against (something) lightly with a piece of absorbent material in order to clean or dry it.
stoically
without showing one's feelings or complaining about pain or hardship.
plaintive
sounding sad and mournful.
petulant
(of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
nebulous
1) in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy.
2) (of a concept or idea) unclear, vague, or ill-defined.
smug
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.
vicarious
1) experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.
2) acting or done for another.
reprieve
cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death).
laconic
(of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words.
indignation
anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
vacuous
empty; having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless.
privy
1)outhouse.
2) sharing in the knowledge of (something secret or private).