| aleatory |
pertaining to or depending on luck, chance, or contingency. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| inquest |
a legal investigation, usually involving a jury, especially a coroner's investigation of a suspicious death. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |