| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| bereft |
deprived or stripped of something. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| deadeye |
an expert shooter. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| indomitable |
too strong to be subdued or discouraged; unconquerable. |
| jubilate |
to feel joyful; rejoice; exult. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |