| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |