| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| gullible |
believing almost anything; easily tricked. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |