| cachet |
prestige. |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| rodomontade |
puffed-up boasting or bravado. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |