| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| putrefaction |
the act or process of rotting or decomposing. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |