| bereft |
deprived or stripped of something. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| discomfit |
to upset or confuse. |
| frangible |
easy to break; breakable; fragile. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| peripatetic |
walking or traveling around; going from place to place; itinerant. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |