marginalia

"But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling like dew upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think."
- Lord Byron

aoristic- not occurring in a specified time period

leaftail- in great demand

bayadére- a fabric of contrasting horizontal stripes

brontophobia- abnormal fear of thunder

dystopia- an imaginary place or state in which living conditions are as bad as possible, as from deprivation, oppression or terror

bel esprit- a cultivated, witty person; someone who is intellectually gifted

tautology- the unecessary repetition of meaning in different words, such as "free gift"

pococurante- an indifferent, nonchalant person

euonym- an appropriate name

camarilla- a group of scheming, private advisors to a person in authority

Sadly I did not find these words while reading a book already on my list. A friend lent me a copy of Rare WORDS II and ways to master their meanings. It is full of extraordinary words, which I happen to enjoy prerusing through. =) (thanks Corey!)