| 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. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| cantankerous |
irritable, stubborn, and quarrelsome. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| pathos |
a quality in life or art that evokes pity, sadness, or compassion. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |