| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |