| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| disallow |
to refuse to allow or admit; reject. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |