| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| 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. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |