| abrogate |
to abolish, repeal, or nullify by authority. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| 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. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| pathos |
a quality in life or art that evokes pity, sadness, or compassion. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |