| burlesque |
a book, play, skit, or the like that mocks something by comically treating it with inappropriate seriousness or levity. |
| crony |
a close friend or ally (often used pejoratively). |
| encumber |
to hinder the normal progress, performance, or use of. |
| equivocation |
the act of communicating in ambiguous, shifting, or indecisive terms, often to avoid or deceive. |
| heretofore |
prior to this time; before now. |
| idealism |
the pursuit of or belief in noble ideals, principles, and values. |
| kindred |
a group of related people, such as a tribe or clan. |
| manifest |
to show plainly; display; demonstrate. |
| nascent |
coming into being or starting to develop. |
| parity |
equality in amount, status, strength, or the like. |
| proscribe |
to make illegal or prohibit. |
| schematic |
of, pertaining to, or formed like an outline or diagram. |
| scourge |
someone or something that inflicts punishment or causes suffering or destruction. |
| solicit |
to try to obtain (business, recruits, donations, help, or the like) by persuasion, formal request, or pleading. |
| stringent |
rigorous or exacting; strict. |