| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| hackneyed |
made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |