| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| raffish |
carelessly unconventional or disreputable, sometimes appealingly so. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |