| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |