| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| divergence |
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| eulogy |
a spoken or written tribute, especially to honor a dead person; high praise; formal commendation. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |