| confidant |
one to whom a secret or secrets are entrusted. |
| fraudulent |
characterized by or based on the use of deceit or trickery. |
| grandiose |
pretentious or pompous. |
| grapple |
to grasp, twist, or wrestle in close combat. |
| hegemony |
predominance of one country or social group over others by virtue of leadership or influence. |
| infraction |
an act or instance of breaking or violating, usually a rule or law; violation or breach. |
| maul |
to hurt by beating or through other rough treatment. |
| mimicry |
an act, instance, or the art of imitating or copying the speech, behavior, or expressions of others. |
| putative |
widely thought to be such; reputed; supposed. |
| seamy |
disreputable; sordid. |
| skirmish |
a minor or preliminary battle between small military units. |
| slacken |
to decrease activity, strength, speed, intensity, or the like. |
| solvent |
having enough funds to meet obligations. |
| tactile |
of, having, or pertaining to the sense of touch. |
| vindicate |
to free from an accusation, suspicion, or doubt by indisputable proof. |