| abeyance |
temporary suspension or cessation. |
| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| castellated |
constructed with turrets and battlements like a castle. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| stridulate |
to produce a shrill grating, creaking, or chirping sound by rubbing certain parts of the body together, as some insects do. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |