| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| fulminate |
to vehemently denounce or criticize something. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |