The Death of Fissiparous and Other Words: A Dictionary of Words & Phrases on the Verge of Extinction

coterie

KO-tuh-ree

noun

a small social circle; a literary clique

1870Leo TolstoyAnna Karenina'On one side it's a plaything; they play at being a parliament, and I'm neither young enough nor old enough to find amusement in playthings; and on the other side' (he stammered) 'it's a means for the coterie of the district to feather their nests.'1975Robert AdamsThe Coming of the HorseclansAnd that perverted, self-seeking coterie who had influenced and guided him were stunned to discover that no longer had this High Lord need or use for them…1976Frank HerbertThe Children of DuneA tall, slender Priest was addressing his coterie, no doubt supplicants here under his auspices.1996Julian SchnabelBasquiatOn the other side of the room, Rene Ricard is surrounded by a coterie of young, mostly BLACK AND HISPANIC MALES.

Labels: Frank Herbert, Julian Schnabel, Leo Tolstoy, Robert Adams

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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kakistocracy

kak-i-stawk-ruh-see

noun

an aristocracy without morals; rule by society's worst elements

1901Calvin ThomasThe Life and Works of Friedrich SchillerHe was not concerned with aristocracy in general, but with the particular kakistocracy that had disgraced his native land.1975Robert AdamsThe Coming of the HorseclansI could not watch this land despoiled and its people extirpated; but even a barbarian king could rule it better than the present kakistocracy.1984Robert AdamsThe Seven Magical Jewels of Ireland...Don Diego feels that honor is now dead in Spain . . . and, considering certain of the shameful acts and base practices of the kakistocracy that presently controls the King of Spain, Don Diego may well be of a correctness, entirely.

Labels: Calvin Thomas, Robert Adams

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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lissome

LI-suhm

adjective

flexible; limber; nimble

1900Theodore DreiserSister CarrieHe was charmed by the pale face, the lissome figure, draped in pearl grey, with a coiled string of pearls at the throat.1979Robert AdamsThe Savage MountainsHer pretty olive face bathed with tears, Pehroosz slowly worked her broad-hipped but lissome body back from the crest, not turning until the bulk of the hill loomed above her.1999Kage BakerSky CoyoteThey were staring out at the dancers with haunted eyes; they hadn't noticed that they too were part of the show, a dapper gentleman skeleton machine and a lissome skull-faced lady machine.

Labels: Kage Baker, Robert Adams, Theodore Dreiser

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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