| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| discomfit |
to upset or confuse. |
| dissemble |
to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |