• accretive - growth by gradual fusion or inclusion “the accretions of paint that had buried the door's details like snow” (Christopher Andreae).
• odalisques - a concubine or slave woman in a harem (Turkish origin)
• gymkhana - general term for a meet where contests of skill occur (e.g. equestrianship, auto racing, gymnastics)
• gonif - thief, scoundrel
• syncretic - fusion of different religious beliefs, especially when there are unresolved differences.
• hypothecation - when one pledges property to secure a loan without actually transferring title or possession.

-- MattWalsh - 29 Oct 2003