| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| incessant |
never stopping; constant. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |