| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| corollary |
a readily drawn conclusion; deduction or inference. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| incursion |
a raid or sudden invasion. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |