| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |