| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| emulous |
filled with the desire to equal or surpass. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| harbinger |
someone or something that signals or foreshadows a later arrival or occurrence; herald; forerunner. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| mirabile dictu |
(Latin) wonderful to say or relate. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| syntax |
the word order or pattern of word order in a sentence. |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |