RABBLE, n. In a republic, those who exercise a supreme authority tempered by fraudulent elections. The rabble is like the sacred Simurgh, of Arabian fable - omnipotent on condition that it do nothing.

COMFORT, n. A state of mind produced by contemplation of a neighbor's uneasiness.

A man who piously shuts himself up to meditate upon the sin of wickedness and to keep it fresh in his mind joins a brotherhood of awful examples.

MUGWUMP, n. In politics one afflicted with self-respect and addicted to the vice of independence. A term of contempt.

Ambition. An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead.

CUI BONO? [Latin] What good would that do "me"?

DELEGATION, n. In American politics, an article of merchandise that comes in sets.