| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| inquest |
a legal investigation, usually involving a jury, especially a coroner's investigation of a suspicious death. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |