| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| conjoin |
to combine for a common purpose. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| perilous |
causing or involving great danger; risky; hazardous. |