| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| lacuna |
a gap or omitted part. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| uxorious |
excessively or foolishly devoted to one's wife, and often thereby submissive to her. |