| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| eruct |
to belch forth. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |