probity—uprightness in one's dealings; integrity.
litigants—parties to a lawsuit.
valetudinarian—one who thinks constantly and anxiously about one's own health.
Gorgon—in Greek mythology, any of three sisters with snakes for hair, so horrible that the beholder is turned to stone.
Spartan—like or characteristic of the Spartans, who were famous for being warlike, brave, stoical, severe, frugal, and highly disciplined.
