| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| somatic |
of or pertaining to the body itself; corporeal. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |