| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| hackneyed |
made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| maladroit |
not skillful; clumsy; tactless. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |