| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| incessant |
never stopping; constant. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| lacuna |
a gap or omitted part. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| Sabbatarian |
one who observes the Sabbath on Saturday, as Jews and certain Christians. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |