| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| bilge |
the rounded part of a ship's hull between the bottom and the sides. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| 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. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |