| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| elide |
to leave out or slur, as a syllable or letter, in pronunciation. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| gloaming |
late evening; dusk; twilight. |
| hackneyed |
made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| indistinct |
not clearly perceived or perceiving. |
| parlance |
manner of speaking or writing, especially word choice; vernacular. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |