| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |