| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| barrage |
a great number of things coming one after another very quickly. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| inquest |
a legal investigation, usually involving a jury, especially a coroner's investigation of a suspicious death. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |