| abdicate |
to officially give up a position of power or a right. |
| caucus |
a private meeting of leaders of a political party to choose candidates or determine policy, or such a group itself. |
| crossfire |
a volley of projectiles, especially gunfire, directed at some central point from two separated positions. |
| desecration |
the act of or an instance of violating the sacredness of something. |
| dexterity |
grace and easy quickness in using the hands or body; skill. |
| disconsolate |
hopelessly unhappy; dejected. |
| echelon |
a level of authority or rank, as in an organization. |
| fetid |
having a foul odor; stinking. |
| implacable |
not to be pacified or diverted; unappeasable or inexorable. |
| intemperance |
lack of restraint in the indulgence of an appetite, especially the consumption of alcohol. |
| meditative |
disposed to, marked by, or indicating contemplation or reflection; deeply thoughtful. |
| schematic |
of, pertaining to, or formed like an outline or diagram. |
| scruple |
a belief about right and wrong that keeps a person from doing something that may be bad. |
| stipulate |
to specify or arrange as a condition of an agreement. |
| venerate |
to treat or regard with great respect, honor, or reverence. |