| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| antediluvian |
hopelessly old-fashioned; primitive; outdated. |
| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| immiscible |
not able to be mixed or blended. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |