| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |