| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| disinter |
to dig up or remove from a place of burial; exhume. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |