| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |