| bilge |
the rounded part of a ship's hull between the bottom and the sides. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |