| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |
| stately |
dignified. |