| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| garble |
to mix up, distort, or confuse (a message, translation, or the like); cause to be disordered or unintelligible. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| liminal |
of or at the threshold of a physiological or psychological response or change of state. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |