| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| gnomic |
short and pithy, as an aphorism. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |