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Showing posts with the label a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless

Today's Words: Tenebrous, Riffraff and Exculpate

Tenebrous (ten-uh-bruhs) Adjective dark; gloomy; obscure More about Tenebrous First recorded in 1375–1425. Late Middle English word from the Latin phrase tenebrōsus, “dark.” In Catholicism, the Tenebrae service during Holy Week involves gradually extinguishing candles to symbolize the darkness of Christ’s death. Tenebrer, “bearer of darkness,” was one name (among many) for Satan. Examples of Tenebrous The artist was known for his tenebrous paintings, often depicting mysterious, shadowy figures. The tenebrous cave was filled with echoes, making it both eerie and intriguing. Riffraff (rif-raf) Noun a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless More about Riffraff First used in English between 1425–75. From late Middle English rif and raf, “every particle, things of small value.” From Old French rif et raf, formed on rifler, “to spoil.”, “to ravage, snatch away.” Examples of Riffraff The locals complained about the riffraff who gathered in the park at night, causing trouble....