| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| jeremiad |
a long complaint about life or one's situation; lamentation. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| putrefaction |
the act or process of rotting or decomposing. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| stative |
in grammar, of or designating a category of verbs that express state or condition. |