| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| bereft |
deprived or stripped of something. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| uxorious |
excessively or foolishly devoted to one's wife, and often thereby submissive to her. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |