| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| mirabile dictu |
(Latin) wonderful to say or relate. |
| noisome |
offensive or disgusting, especially in smell; foul. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| recurve |
to bend or curve back or backward, as the ends of certain shooting bows. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| voluble |
characterized by a steady flow of words; fluent; talkative. |