| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |