| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| 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. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| frangible |
easy to break; breakable; fragile. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |