| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| irrefragable |
impossible to refute or dispute; undeniable. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |