| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| apposite |
fitting; pertinent; appropriate. |
| baneful |
causing or leading to death, destruction, or ruin; harmful or deadly. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| lupine2 |
fierce; greedy. |
| maunder |
to speak in an aimless or foolish way; babble. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| stately |
dignified. |