| benefactor |
one who helps or brings good to an individual or an institution, usually by giving money. |
| curtail |
to make shorter; cut off part of. |
| defray |
to pay or assist in the payment of (costs or the like). |
| dote |
to have or show too much love or affection (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| epoch |
an important period in human history. |
| guile |
deceitfulness, treachery, or skillful cunning; wiliness. |
| ineffectual |
incapable of acting effectively. |
| misinterpret |
to comprehend incorrectly; misunderstand. |
| patrician |
of, concerning, or belonging to an aristocratic class. |
| perforate |
to make a hole in. |
| ramshackle |
poorly constructed or in disrepair; rickety. |
| stymie |
throw an obstacle in the way of (something or someone); impede; thwart. |
| susceptible |
easily influenced or impressed (usually followed by "to"). |
| umbrage |
a feeling of offense, irritation, or resentment. |
| waiver |
the intentional relinquishing of a right, claim, or privilege, or a suspension of an existing rule or policy. |