tambour

1: drum
2 a: an embroidery frame; especially : a set of two interlocking hoops between which cloth is stretched before stitching
a rolling top or front (as of a rolltop desk) of narrow strips of wood glued on canvas

Jingoism

Jingoism is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "extreme patriotism in the form of aggressive foreign policy"
the extreme belief that your own country is always best, which is often shown in enthusiastic support for a war against another country:
Patriotism can turn into jingoism and intolerance very quickly.(Cambridge)
jingoistic - fanatically patriotic

peculate, avowal

Peculate:
to steal or misuse (money or property entrusted to one's care, esp. public funds); embezzle

Avowal:
open acknowledgment or declaration

mortar-board

The square academic cap, very commonly called a mortarboard cap, is an item of academic headgear consisting of a horizontal square board fixed upon a skull-cap, with a tassel attached to the centre. In the UK and the U.S., it is commonly referred to informally in conjunction with an academic gown worn as a cap and gown. It is also often termed a square or trencher in the UK and Australia. In the U.S., it is usually referred to more generically as a mortarboard, or simply cap.

abstemious

Eating and drinking in moderation.
Sparingly used or consumed: abstemious meals.

Usage:
My 100-year old aunt attributes her longevity to abstemious habits

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The Economist Style Guide

An interesting guide to the usage of English. The book advises you to never use a long word, when a short one can do. It it is possible to cut out a word, always cut it out. Never use the passive when you can use the active.

I shall quote from the book often. To start with:

Affinity: It can exist between or with things, but never to or for them.
Convince: Don’t convince people to do something. In that context the word you want to use is persuade.