| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| indurate |
to make hard in texture; harden. |
| lupine2 |
fierce; greedy. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |