| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| apocryphal |
of dubious authorship or authority. |
| apropos |
appropriate; relevant; opportune. |
| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| deify |
to raise to the rank of a god; consider to be a god. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |