| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| assuage |
to make less severe or more bearable; alleviate. |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |