| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| fulminate |
to vehemently denounce or criticize something. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |