| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| bellicose |
easily incited to quarrel or fight; belligerent. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| lupine2 |
fierce; greedy. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |