| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| jubilate |
to feel joyful; rejoice; exult. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| quotidian |
happening every day or once a day. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| sagacious |
possessing or characterized by good judgment and common sense; wise. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |