| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |