Here's a small collection of words and phrases that have puzzled me of late. Their meanings are provided.

• Meme. Any cultural entity (such as a song, an idea or a religion) that an observer might consider a replicator.
• Beowulf. Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic poem composed in the later Early Middle Ages.
• face value. figurative: the superficial appearence or implication of something.
• mien ((Origin: early 16th cent.: probably from French mine.)). A person's look or manner, esp. one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood.
• pious. Devoutly religious.
• tenure. 1. The conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied. 2. The holding of an office. 3. Guaranteed permanent employment, esp. as a teacher or professor.