| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| ingenuous |
having or showing simplicity and lack of sophistication; artless. |
| inquest |
a legal investigation, usually involving a jury, especially a coroner's investigation of a suspicious death. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |