| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| coalesce |
to grow together or unite to form a single body or organization; unify; fuse. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| uxorial |
of, pertaining to, or befitting a wife. |