| abeyance |
temporary suspension or cessation. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |