| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| belie |
to give a false impression of. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| rodomontade |
puffed-up boasting or bravado. |
| Sabbatarian |
one who observes the Sabbath on Saturday, as Jews and certain Christians. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |