| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| demarcate |
to set apart or separate, as if with boundaries. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |