| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| appurtenance |
(plural) equipment or instruments used for a given purpose; gear. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| emulous |
filled with the desire to equal or surpass. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| rebarbative |
tending to irritate or repel; forbidding or unattractive. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |