| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| stentorian |
extremely loud and powerful. |