| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| internecine |
of or pertaining to conflict, discord, or struggle within a group. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |