REPARTEE, n. Prudent insult in retort. Practiced by gentlemen with a constitutional aversion to violence, but a strong disposition to offend. In a war of words, the tactics of the North American Indian.
More Quotes from Ambrose Bierce:
BAIT, n. A preparation that renders the hook more palatable. The best kind is beauty.Ambrose Bierce
BLANK-VERSE, n. Unrhymed iambic pentameters the most difficult kind of English verse to write acceptably a kind, therefore, much affected by those who cannot acceptably write any kind.
Ambrose Bierce
DEFENCELESS, adj. Unable to attack.
Ambrose Bierce
DISSEMBLE, v.i. To put a clean shirt upon the character.
Ambrose Bierce
RHADOMANCER, n. One who uses a divining-rod in prospecting for precious metals in the pocket of a fool.
Ambrose Bierce
AIR, n. A nutritious substance supplied by a bountiful Providence for the fattening of the poor.
Ambrose Bierce
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Based on Topics: Constitution Quotes, Moderation & Temperance Quotes, Violence Quotes, War & Peace QuotesBased on Keywords: aversion, repartee, retort
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I've always been a direct guy.
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