abstemious

adj

Moderate, especially in eating and drinking; temperate

cant

n

The secret slang of beggars, thieves, etc.; special words and phrases used by those in a certain occupation

beleaguer

v

To beset as with difficulties; to harass

debunk

v

To expose the false or exaggerated claims of

elicit

v

To draw forth; to evoke; to cause to be revealed

fecund

adj

Productive; fruitful or fertile; prolific

grandiloquent

adj

Using high-flown, pompous, bombastic words and expressions

hegira

n

Any journey made for the sake of safety or as an escape; flight

impecunious

adj

Having no money; poor; penniless

laudatory

adj

Expressing praise; commendatory

martinet

n

Any strict disciplinarian or stickler for rigid regulations

peremptory

adj

Dictatorial; dogmatic; imperious

obtuse

adj

Slow to understand or perceive; dull or insensitive

pariah

n

Outcast; any person despised or rejected by others

recant

v

To withdraw or renounce beliefs or statements, especially in a public or formal manner

sanguine

adj

Cheerful and confident; optimistic; hopeful

torpid

adj

Slow and dull; apathetic

aspersion

n

A damaging or disparaging remark; slander

venal

adj

That can be readily bribed or corrupted

zenith

n

The highest point; peak