| abeyance |
temporary suspension or cessation. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |