| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| discomfit |
to upset or confuse. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |