| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| elide |
to leave out or slur, as a syllable or letter, in pronunciation. |
| hypocrisy |
the practice or an instance of stating or pretending to hold beliefs or principles that one does not actually live by; insincerity. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |