| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| eruct |
to belch forth. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| 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. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |