| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |