to scald briefly and then drain, as peaches or almonds to facilitate removal of skins, or as rice or macaroni to separate the grains or strands

fine arts; a sinuous, spiraling, undulating, or serpentine line or linear motif

to give notice to; inform; advise (often followed by 'of')

exhausted; very tired

to blow or breathe (something) in

a sudden and favorable resolution of events in a story; a happy ending

waste money or time on unnecessary or questionable projects

to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily

a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something

the state of being close to someone or something; proximity

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; lethargic

characterized by avarice; greedy; covetous

abrupt in manner; blunt; rough

conforming or adhering to accepted standards, as of conduct or taste