| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| astringent |
a substance or drug that contracts body tissue and slows discharge or secretion. |
| boorish |
rude; ill-mannered; crude. |
| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |