| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| goad |
something that spurs a person to action; stimulus. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |