| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| deracinate |
to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; isolate; exile. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |