| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| beatify |
to admire or exalt as superior. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| demarcate |
to set apart or separate, as if with boundaries. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |