| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| dissemble |
to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| rodomontade |
puffed-up boasting or bravado. |
| sententious |
using or marked by pompous, high-flown moralizing. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |