| abnegation |
the act of relinquishing or abandoning, as a right, role, or good. |
| alimony |
money that a court orders one member of a divorced couple to pay to the other. |
| audit |
an often official examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy, or the report of such an examination. |
| castigation |
the act of rebuking, severely criticizing, or punishing, especially in a public forum. |
| culvert |
a man-made channel for drainage or the like that passes under a street or other thoroughfare. |
| dais |
a raised platform for speakers or the seating of special guests. |
| dignitary |
one who holds a high office or rank. |
| enfranchise |
to give the rights of a citizen to, especially the right to vote. |
| enigma |
something puzzling, contradictory, or mysterious; something for which a solution cannot be found. |
| microcosm |
a small, complete whole; tiny world. |
| parsimony |
excessive unwillingness to spend money or use resources; stinginess. |
| stupor |
a state of unconsciousness, insensibility, or torpor. |
| sundry |
of various kinds; miscellaneous. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |
| vignette |
a brief written or musical sketch, or brief film scene, that describes or characterizes a person, incident, situation, or the like. |