| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| recurve |
to bend or curve back or backward, as the ends of certain shooting bows. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| sartorial |
of or pertaining to tailors or tailored clothing, especially men's clothing. |