| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| sequester |
to remove into protection and isolation; seclude. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |