| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| stochastic |
of, or arising from chance or probability. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |