Play for keeps - to do something seriously and without showing any mercy
Galling - annoying; humiliating.
Countenance (v.) (ITC) - admit as acceptable or possible.
Writ small (adj.) miniaturized. On a small scale. Writ Large - clear & obvious. (From wordsense.eu)
Commensurate - corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.
Disparage - regard or represent as being of little worth. (Syns.: Belittle, Denigrate, Deprecate)
Arbitrarily (ITC)-on the basis of random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Trounce (v.) - rebuke or punish severely. / defeat heavily in a contest.
Bauble (in this case) - a small, showy trinket or decoration.
Vestige (in this case) -a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something vanished or lost.
Environ (n.) - the surrounding area or district.
Salient - most noticeable or important.
Salient - most noticeable or important.
Bout - a short period of intense activity of a specified kind.
Mercantilism - a form of economic nationalism; maximize exports, minimize imports. Mercantile system
Henohenomoheji - see TL’s note.
Marginalize - treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral.
Toilette - the process of washing oneself, dressing, and attending to one's appearance.
Social season (see TL’s notes)
Tribulation - a cause or state of great trouble or suffering.
