| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| asperity |
harshness or roughness, especially of tone or manner. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| 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. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| sepsis |
infection, especially by pus-forming bacteria in the blood or tissues. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |
| stately |
dignified. |