| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| dawdle |
to waste time; be slow. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| flange |
a collar or rim that projects from a pipe, housing, or the like to provide strength, stability, or a place for attaching other parts. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |
| stately |
dignified. |
| transpose |
to exchange the position or order of (two things). |