| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| belie |
to give a false impression of. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| dissemble |
to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |