[thrownawaydad]

Definition 2 is interesting as well:

1. An object that serves as a focal point of attention and admiration.

2. Something that serves to guide. [French, Ursa Minor (which contains the guiding star Polaris), from Latin cynosūra, from Greek kunosoura, dog's tail, Ursa Minor : kunos, genitive of kuōn, dog; see kwon- in Indo-European roots + ourā, tail; see ors- in Indo-European roots.]

(from thefreedictionary.com)

Personally, I love learning the occasional new word. "sinecure" is useful, as is "copacetic".