| collusion |
action undertaken in secret partnership or collaboration, usually for illicit purposes. |
| covetous |
desiring that which belongs to another; wanting possessions; greedy. |
| dignitary |
one who holds a high office or rank. |
| discontinuance |
the act of stopping or condition of being stopped; interruption. |
| electrify |
to shock, startle, or excite. |
| equivocate |
to express oneself ambiguously, often to avoid giving a direct answer or to deceive. |
| forbearance |
the act or capability of refraining or holding back. |
| innuendo |
an indirect and usually derogatory hint, allusion, or insinuation. |
| machination |
(usually plural) elaborate or devious schemes. |
| precipitous |
very steep or sudden; rising or dropping abruptly. |
| rebuff |
to reject, repel, block, or set back. |
| rile |
to make angry; irritate or annoy. |
| self-determination |
the ability or freedom of a people to decide their own form of government. |
| singe |
to burn slightly on the surface, end, or edge. |
| skiff |
a small, light boat that may have sails but can be rowed by one oarsman. |