| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |