| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| deify |
to raise to the rank of a god; consider to be a god. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| jubilate |
to feel joyful; rejoice; exult. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |