| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| commodious |
comfortably spacious; roomy. |
| demarcate |
to set apart or separate, as if with boundaries. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| lacuna |
a gap or omitted part. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |