pall an overspreading covering, as of dark clouds or black smoke, that cloaks or obscures in a gloomy, depressing way.
parley a talk or conference for the purpose of discussing a specific matter.
paternalism the principle or system of governing or controlling a country or group of employees in a manner suggesting a father's relationship with his children.
pathos the quality in something experienced or observed which arouses feelings of pity, sorrow, sympathy, or compassion.
pell-mell in a jumbled, confused mass or manner; without order or method.
penury lack of money, property, or necessities; extreme poverty.
pepsin an extract of gastric juice enzymes from the stomachs of calves, pigs, etc., formerly used as a digestive aid.
personage a person of importance or distinction.
pettifogger a lawyer who handles petty cases, especially one who uses unethical methods in conducting trumped-up cases.
philanthropist a person, especially a wealthy one, who is interested in the general human welfare, especially as shown in large-scale gifts to charities.
Plutocrat a person whose wealth is the source of control or great influence.
ponas Lithuanian word meaning master, gentleman.
portiere a curtain, usually heavy, hung in a doorway.
prestidigitator an expert at sleight of hand.
prodigy a person, thing, or act so extraordinary as to inspire wonder.
proletarian a member of the proletariat, the working class, especially the industrial working class.
Prometheus in Greek mythology, a Titan who steals fire from heaven for the benefit of mankind. To punish him, Zeus chains him to a rock where a vulture comes each day to eat his liver, which grows back each night.
ptarmigan a brownish bird with feathered legs and feet, usually having white plumage in the winter.
ptomaines substances, some of which are poisonous, formed in decaying animal matter.
pugilist boxer.
purgatory a state or place in which, in Roman Catholicism and other Christian doctrine, those who have died in the grace of God expiate their sins by suffering.
quaff to drink deeply in a hearty or thirsty way.
rancid having the bad smell or taste of stale fats or oils; spoiled.
recalcitrant hard to handle or deal with.
reminiscences an account, written or spoken, of remembered experiences.
rife abundant.
