| aleatory |
pertaining to or depending on luck, chance, or contingency. |
| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| baneful |
causing or leading to death, destruction, or ruin; harmful or deadly. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| sequester |
to remove into protection and isolation; seclude. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |