| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| concur |
to share the same opinion; agree. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |