| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| beatify |
to admire or exalt as superior. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |