| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| asperity |
harshness or roughness, especially of tone or manner. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| baneful |
causing or leading to death, destruction, or ruin; harmful or deadly. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| electuary |
a drug mixed with honey, syrup, or the like to form a paste to be smeared on the teeth or gums of a sick animal. |
| emulous |
filled with the desire to equal or surpass. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stentorian |
extremely loud and powerful. |