| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| adamantine |
firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| deracinate |
to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; isolate; exile. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| raffish |
carelessly unconventional or disreputable, sometimes appealingly so. |