| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| disallow |
to refuse to allow or admit; reject. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |