| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| elide |
to leave out or slur, as a syllable or letter, in pronunciation. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| indomitable |
too strong to be subdued or discouraged; unconquerable. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |