Barometer, n.: An ingenious instrument which indicates what kind of weather we are having.

Achievement; the death of endeavor and the birth of disgust.

BLANK-VERSE, n. Unrhymed iambic pentameters - the most difficult kind of English verse to write acceptably; a kind, therefore, much affected by those who cannot acceptably write any kind.

diplomacy, n.: The patriotic art of lying for one's country.

Homo Creator's testimony to the sound construction and fine finish of Deus Creatus. A popular form of abjection, having an element of pride.

The circus a place where horses, ponies and elephants are permitted to see men, women and children acting the fool.

Convent - a place of retirement for women who wish for leisure to meditate upon the sin of idleness.