| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| sequester |
to remove into protection and isolation; seclude. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| voluble |
characterized by a steady flow of words; fluent; talkative. |