codicil - the diminutive form of codex, mainly used to mean a suppliment or clause added to a will

pedant - one who pays undue attention to book learning and formal rules

concupiscent - having a strong, especially sexual, desire

obnubilated - confused, made unclear, obscured

insouciantly - with blithe unconcern, nonchalantly

seraglios - a large harem, a sultan's palace

carrefours - crossroads, public plazas

cthonic - relating to the underworld (ei. not Olympian), underground

ratiocination - the act or process of reasoning

consonant - being in accord, harmonious in sound or tone

conventicles - A religious meeting, especially a secret or illegal one, such as those held by Dissenters in England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries.

miasma - a noxious atmosphere or influence, once thought to rise from swamps bringing disease