| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| alfresco |
in the open air; outdoors. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |