| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| eulogy |
a spoken or written tribute, especially to honor a dead person; high praise; formal commendation. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| lacuna |
a gap or omitted part. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |