| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| 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. |
| internecine |
of or pertaining to conflict, discord, or struggle within a group. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| quotidian |
happening every day or once a day. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |
| stately |
dignified. |