| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |