operose \AH-puh-rohss\ - tedious, wearisome
Yes, this is etymologically related to "opera," though with a different suffix to mark the difference between a labor of love and one of tedium. However, the stereotypical caricature of the "boring opera" will probably keep these words somewhat linked for me, so that I will stand a good chance of recognizing this word's meaning should I encounter it again. (For me, personally, I appreciate the effort of operatic performers more than the actual artistic and dramatic value of opera, but I suspect that with further exposure I might come around.)
purfle \PER-ful\ - to ornament the border or edges of
A rare one that I knew - from my appreciation of the luthier's craft - and still thought was worth sharing.
dovecote \DUV-koht\ - 1. a small compartmented raised house or box for domestic pigeons 2. a settled or harmonious group or organization
I bet that my ornithology-inclined friends are more familiar with this word than I was. I have certainly heard it before, and of course assumed it was related to birds, but couldn't quite place it.
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