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Word of the Day: picaresque

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: [pi-kê-'resk]

Definition: Pertaining to the life of an adventurous rogue, usually of low origin, who uses his wits to overcome obstacles and survive in a world bent on arresting his progress. Pertaining to novel whose main character is such a person.

Usage: Picaresque novels are not as popular today as they have been in the past but the word begs for wider use such as, "Molly Coddle has picked up with a fellow who seems to have lived a rather picaresque life up to now." Molly's boyfriend would be something of a "picaroon," not just a rogue but one with a string of adventures involving brushes with law enforcement to his credit.

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