| bevy |
a group of birds or other animals, especially quail or larks. |
| bilk |
to defraud or swindle, especially by avoiding due or promised payment. |
| burlesque |
a book, play, skit, or the like that mocks something by comically treating it with inappropriate seriousness or levity. |
| clout |
(informal) influence or power to persuade. |
| culvert |
a man-made channel for drainage or the like that passes under a street or other thoroughfare. |
| execrable |
of very poor quality; extremely inferior. |
| expendable |
considered able to be replaced, given up, or sacrificed. |
| explicate |
to make clear or explain completely. |
| machination |
(usually plural) elaborate or devious schemes. |
| mores |
the behaviors and manners accepted and expected in a social group, embodying its fundamental moral standards. |
| obtuse |
not keen or quick to notice, feel, or comprehend; dull or insensitive. |
| perturb |
to cause great disturbance in (the mind); agitate or worry. |
| possessive |
having a strong desire to own and keep things. |
| stature |
relative status as measured by skill or achievement; reputation. |
| truism |
a self-evident statement; platitude. |