| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| deadeye |
an expert shooter. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |