| artifice |
a shrewd or clever trick. |
| aver |
to assert to be true; affirm. |
| burlesque |
a book, play, skit, or the like that mocks something by comically treating it with inappropriate seriousness or levity. |
| concurrent |
existing or occurring at the same time. |
| curtail |
to make shorter; cut off part of. |
| diffidence |
reticence; shyness. |
| elliptical |
tending toward or characterized by an economy of expression that creates ambiguity or obscurity, often purposefully. |
| engulf |
to cover entirely, as if by a flood. |
| forage |
food for animals such as horses or cattle. |
| grievous |
causing emotional or physical suffering; painful. |
| impecunious |
lacking funds; penniless. |
| palatable |
acceptable or pleasing to the sense of taste. |
| permissive |
allowing much, often excessive, freedom of behavior; lenient. |
| rescind |
to take back or make invalid; revoke. |
| sheaf |
a bound bundle of cut grain. |