| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| disinter |
to dig up or remove from a place of burial; exhume. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stately |
dignified. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |