flourish

verb

to wave in the air

She took off her new scarf with a flourish, hoping I'd notice it.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

nonconformity

refusal to conform to an established creed, rule, or practice.

My parents believe in nonconformity; my brothers and I have no curfew.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

distinguish

to discern; to detect with the eyes or with the other sences.

I could not quite distinguish her face in the poorly-lit room, so I was not sure who she was.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

variant

something that differs from the standard form.

Jennet's brightly colored sail appeared to be the only variant in the cluster of white-sailed boats.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

hotbed

environment that favors rapid growth or development.

The riverside neighborhood was a hotbed of crime.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

twin plaited pigtails

Hair braided into two braids

Her sandy hair was pulled back into twin plaited pigtails, each tied with a bright-red ribbon.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006

Indian buckskin

Clothing made out of the hides of deer, as worn by some early American Indians.

Several times in those early weeks of September, she showed up in something outrageous. A 1920s flapper dress. An Indian buckskin. A kimono.

by Morgan Tierney October 31, 2006