the contraction of a word by omitting one or more sounds from the middle.

a warm, dry wind descending a mountain, as on the north side of the Alps.

to comment or discourse at great length.

to act in a manner showing excessive deference or eagerness to please.

a kerchief or shawl, generally triangular in shape, worn draped over the shoulders or around the neck with the ends drawn together on the breast.

a bony or chitinous shield, test, or shell covering some or all of the dorsal part of an animal, as of a turtle.

an informal session at which folk singers and instrumentalists perform for their own enjoyment.

a devotee of archery; archer.

producing darkness.

pertaining to or noting a language characterized by combining morphemes (meaningful word elements) without fusion or change.