| allegation |
an assertion made in the absence of positive proof. |
| ample |
large in size, amount, or space; as much or more than is needed. |
| authorize |
to give official permission to; allow or approve. |
| cloak |
a long, loose, outer garment without sleeves. |
| countenance |
facial expression or general appearance. |
| dictate |
to state or order with authority. |
| exhale |
to breathe out; give out breath or vapor. |
| hazy |
marked or clouded by haze; misty. |
| investigative |
of or relating to a comprehensive process of searching for, uncovering, and examining information. |
| refugee |
a person forced to leave his or her home or country to seek safety or protection. |
| shortcoming |
a fault or weakness in character, behavior, or ability. |
| status |
a person's position or rank compared with others. |
| straightforward |
honest, frank, and trustworthy. |
| teeter |
to walk, stand, or act in an unsteady, wavering manner. |
| thereby |
as a result of that; by that means. |