| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| extrinsic |
not inherent or essential; extraneous. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| Sabbatarian |
one who observes the Sabbath on Saturday, as Jews and certain Christians. |
| syntax |
the word order or pattern of word order in a sentence. |