| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| inflection |
change that occurs in the form of words to show a grammatical characteristic such as the tense of a verb, the number of a noun, or the degree of an adjective or adverb. |
| jeremiad |
a long complaint about life or one's situation; lamentation. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |