| audit |
an often official examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy, or the report of such an examination. |
| biennial |
happening every second year. |
| commensurate |
of equal measure, as extent or duration. |
| designate |
to choose for a particular job or purpose. |
| egotism |
excessive self-promotion; boastfulness or conceitedness. |
| ideology |
the body of beliefs, symbols, and political and social aims that characterizes a particular group or institution. |
| illicit |
not permitted by custom or law; illegitimate. |
| matriarch |
a woman who acts as head of a family, tribe, or other group of people. |
| parry |
to deflect or knock aside (a blow or stroke), as with one's weapon in fencing. |
| pensive |
thoughtful in a sad or deeply serious way. |
| protocol |
the proper or agreed upon way of conducting oneself or of doing something. |
| pursuant |
following on or proceeding from (usually followed by "to"). |
| reproach |
to express disapproval of or disappointment with (someone); censure. |
| reticent |
reluctant to speak; not given to frequent speech; restrained; shy. |
| sycophant |
one that flatters and fawns over superiors in order to get favors or advance his or her position; toady. |