| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| stately |
dignified. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |