Supplicate and Mulct

Today there are two words: supplicate and mulct.

Supplicate is a verb that means

(used without object)

1. to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition

(used with object)

2. to pray humbly to; entreat or petition humbly

3. to seek or ask for by humble entreaty

Mulct can be used as either a noun or a verb.

As a noun it is defined as:

1. a fine, especially for a misdemeanor

As a verb (used with object) it is defined as:

1. to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc; swindle

2. to obtain (money or the like) by fraud, extortion, etc

3. to punish (a person) by fine, especially for a misdemeanor

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My two cats are small swindlers who maintain an outward appearance of harmless, defenseless animals who supplicate us, their humans, for their most basic needs of food, care and attention. They do not consider it immoral to mulct their human parents into providing special treats in response to their exhibit of a contrived affection that lasts only until the goodies are gone. Unlike dogs, which seem to have an masochistic need to be loyal to both kind and cruel masters and often seem to mirror the mental state of their caregiver, cats respect only themselves; their emotional needs are self-sufficient. Their loyalty is concentric unto themselves and they make no excuses for that, but if they like you, they may make allowances and sit on your lap and let you pet them.  It is their haughty personalities that enchants me. Yet I would still classify them as diminutive felons with a penchant for bribery.

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