| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| indolence |
the tendency to avoid exertion or effort; laziness. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |