| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |