| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| attune |
to adjust so as to be harmonious. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| fulminate |
to vehemently denounce or criticize something. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |