| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |