SD Multiple Choice

magisterial (me+je-sti+ri+all)

of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties || of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher : authoritative (e.g. a magisterial biography) || marked by an overbearingly (harshly and haughtily (blatantly and disdainfully proud) arrogant) dignified or assured manner or aspect || of, relating to, or required for a master's degree

modulate (maa-je+lay+t)

to tune (to adjust in musical pitch or cause to be in tune (harmony)) to a key or pitch; to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys || vary the strength, tone, or pitch of (one's voice) || to play or sing with modulation (an inflection (change in pitch or loudness of the voice) of the tone or pitch of the voice; specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning; a change from one musical key to another by modulating) || to pass gradually from one state to another || to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper (moderate) || to vary the amplitude (the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme), frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave (communications signals (as in radio, telephonic, or telegraphic transmissions)) or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)

flagging, unflagging

languid (drooping or flagging (to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless) from or as if from exhaustion), weak || becoming progressively less : dwindling && not flagging : tireless || unrelenting (not letting up (to diminish or slow down) or weakening in vigor or pace; constant) || [flag also means - to decline in interest, attraction, or value]

tandem, in tandem (ten-dum)

tandem bicycle (a bicycle for usually two people sitting one behind the other) || a 2-seated carriage drawn by horses harnessed one before the other; a team so harnessed || a group of two or more arranged one behind the other or used or acting in conjunction (in combination with; together with) || working or occurring in conjunction with each other || (adverb) one after or behind another; with two or more horses harnessed one behind another; alongside each other; together || consisting of things or having parts arranged one behind the other && in partnership or conjunction || in a tandem arrangement

bereave, bereaved, bereft (be-riv) (be+reft)

to deprive of something (usually used with of) || to take away (a valued or necessary possession) especially by force && (adj.) suffering the death of a loved one || (noun) someone who is suffering the death of a loved one : one who is bereaved && deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something (usually used with of) || lacking something needed, wanted, or expected (used with of) || suffering the death of a loved one : bereaved || (of a person) sad and lonely, especially through someone's death or departure

spatter (spe+der)

to spurt (squirt) forth in scattered drops || to splash with or as if with a liquid; also : to soil in this way || to scatter by or as if by splashing || to cover with or as if with splashes or spots; fall so as to be scattered over an area (as of rain) || the act or process of spattering : the state of being spattered; the noise of spattering || a short outburst of sound || a drop or splash spattered on something or a spot or stain due to spattering || a small amount or number : sprinkle (a limited quantity or amount) || to cast aspersions (a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation) on : defame

maiden (may-den)

[maid also means - an unmarried girl or woman especially when young; virgin] || an unmarried girl or woman : maid || (adj.) not married || virgin || (of a female animal) never yet mated; never having borne young || of, relating to, or befitting a maiden || first, earliest (e.g. maiden voyage) || a horse that has never won a race || (of a tree or other fruiting plant) in its first year of growth || a former Scottish beheading device resembling the guillotine

flash point

the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile (readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature) combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame || a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being || tinderbox (a potentially explosive place or situation) || [flash also means - to cause to burst violently into flame]

determinism (de+ter-me+ni+zem)

(philosophy) a theory or doctrine that acts of the will (mental powers manifested as wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending), occurrences in nature, or social or psychological phenomena are causally determined by preceding events or natural laws || (philosophy) a belief in predestination (the doctrine that God in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events infallibly (incapable of error) guides those who are destined for salvation) || the quality or state of being determined

cataclysm (ke+te-kli+zem)

flood, deluge (an overflowing of the land by water) || a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval (extreme agitation or disorder; radical change) and demolition (the act of demolishing (tear down; raze; to break to pieces); esp. : destruction in war by means of explosives); broadly : an event that brings great changes || catastrophe (a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth)

inchoate (in-k+aw+et)

being only partly in existence or operation : incipient (beginning to come into being or to become apparent); esp. : imperfectly formed or formulated : formless, incoherent || (law) (of an offense) anticipating (to look forward to as certain) or preparatory to a further criminal act (e.g. - Someone might steal a car to use in a planned bank robbery)

white paper

a government report on any subject; esp. : a British publication that is usually less extensive than a blue book (a book of specialized information often published under government auspices) || a detailed or authoritative report

fulminate (f+all-me+nay+t)

to utter or send out with denunciation (to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil); to send forth censures or invectives (insulting or abusive (harsh and insulting) language) || explode violently or flash like lightning || an often explosive salt (such as mercury fulminate (highly sensitive to friction, heat and shock and is mainly used as a trigger for other explosives)) containing the group −CNO

truculent (tra-k+ye+lent)

aggressively self-assertive : belligerent (inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness) || scathingly (bitterly (harshly reproachful) severe) harsh : vitriolic (bitterly harsh or caustic (marked by incisive sarcasm) language or criticism) || feeling or displaying ferocity : cruel, savage || deadly, destructive

bifurcate (by-fer+kay+t) (adj. by-fer+ket)

to divide into two branches or parts || (adj.) forked; branched || [DYK]

sui generis (soo+(eye) je+ne+res)

constituting a class alone : unique, peculiar || [Latin, of its own kind; DYK]

millstone

either of two circular stones used for grinding something (such as grain) || something that grinds or crushes || a heavy burden

pander (pen-der)

to say, do, or provide what someone (such as an audience) wants or demands even though it is not good, proper, reasonable, etc. || the act or an instance of pandering || someone who panders || a go-between (an intermediate (mediator) agent) in love intrigues (a clandestine love affair) (e.g. - acts as a messenger or intermediary between two people who are romantically interested in each other but are unable or unwilling to communicate directly); a pimp; to act as a pander

concentric

having a common center || having a common axis (a straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be supposed to rotate) : coaxial (having coincident (occupying the same space or time) axes) || [con - with; together; jointly]

dally (de-li)

to act playfully; esp. : to play amorously || have a casual romantic or sexual liaison (a close bond or connection; an illicit sexual relationship) with || to deal lightly (with indifference or carelessness) : toy (to act or deal with something lightly or without vigor or purpose) || to waste time || linger (to move slowly; to be slow to act), dawdle (to move lackadaisically (lacking life, spirit, or zest)) ||

buckle (ba-k+all)

a fastening for two loose ends that is attached to one and holds the other by a catch || an ornamental device that suggests a buckle || to fasten with a buckle || to prepare with vigor; to apply oneself with vigor (usually used with down) || to cause to bend, move, give way, or crumple (to press, bend, or crush out of shape) || to collapse || to give way (to yield to entreaty or insistence) : yield || a product of buckling : a bend, fold || a coffee cake baked with berries and a crumbly topping

ignominy (eeg-ne+me+ni or eeg-naw+me+ni)

deep personal humiliation and disgrace || disgraceful or dishonorable conduct, quality, or action || [from Latin ignominia, from ig- (as in ignorare to be ignorant of, ignore) + nomin-, nomen (nominate - designate, name) name (reputation), repute]

consort, consortium (kaa+n-sort; verb - con-sort) (con-sor+shum)

an associate || a ship accompanying another || spouse || conjunction (the act or an instance of conjoining; combination), association || group, assembly || a group of singers or instrumentalists performing together || a set of musical instruments of the same family || to unite, associate; to keep company || accord (to be consistent or in harmony), harmonize && [plural - consortia or consortiums] || an agreement, combination, or group (as of companies) formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member || association, society || (law) the legal right of one spouse (husband, wife) to the company, affection, and assistance of and to sexual relations with the other

glitch (gli+ch)

a usually minor malfunction; also : bug (an unexpected defect, fault, flaw, or imperfection) || a minor problem that causes a temporary setback (a checking of progress) : snag (a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle) || to suffer a sudden malfunction or irregularity || a false or spurious (of falsified or erroneously attributed origin; forged) electronic signal

coalesce (k+aw-eh+les)

to grow together || to unite into a whole : fuse (to become blended or joined by or as if by melting together) || to unite for a common end : join forces || to arise from the combination of distinct elements || [The word unites the prefix co- ("together") and the Latin verb alescere, meaning "to grow." (adolescent)]

divvy (di-vee)

to divide, share (to divide and distribute in shares) (usually used with up) || a dividend (a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders) or share, especially of profits earned by a cooperative (an enterprise or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services) || [by shortening & alteration from divide; abbreviation of dividend]

herald (eh-r+all+d)

an official at a tournament of arms with duties including the making of announcements and the marshaling (to lead ceremoniously or solicitously; usher) of combatants || an officer with the status of ambassador acting as official messenger between leaders especially in war || officer of arms (any of the officers (such as king of arms, herald, or pursuivant) of a monarch or government responsible for devising and granting armorial (of, relating to, or bearing heraldic arms) bearings) || an official crier (one that cries - e.g., a town officer who makes public proclamations) or messenger || one that precedes or foreshadows || one that conveys news or proclaims : announcer || one who actively promotes or advocates : exponent || to give notice of : announce || to greet especially with enthusiasm : hail (to greet with enthusiastic approval) || to publicize || to signal the approach of : foreshadow

jump-start

to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (such as another vehicle's battery) || an act of jump-starting a car || to start or restart (something) rapidly or forcefully || to impart fresh or renewed energy to (something) : energize || an added impetus (stimulation or encouragement resulting in increased activity)

whisk (wee+sk)

a quick light brushing or whipping (to take, pull, snatch, jerk, or otherwise move very quickly and forcefully) motion || to brush or wipe off lightly || a usually wire kitchen utensil used for beating food by hand || (clue - whiskers) a flexible bunch (as of twigs (a small shoot or branch usually without its leaves), feathers, or straw) attached to a handle for use as a brush || to mix or fluff (to make fluffy (being light and soft or airy)) up by or as if by beating with a whisk || to move or convey briskly (energetic, quick)

farrago (fe+raa-g+aw)

a confused mixture : hodgepodge (a heterogeneous mixture; jumble)

entente, détente ((un)-tun+t) ((day)-tun+t)

an international understanding providing for a common course of action || a coalition of parties to an entente && the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations); also : a policy promoting this || a period of détente || [intent - a usually clearly formulated or planned intention; aim]

tactic, tactics, tactical

a device for accomplishing an end || a method of employing forces in combat || of or relating to arrangement or order || (adjective combining form) of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern (phonotactic); showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent (geotactic); (Note: Adjectives formed with -tactic usually correspond to nouns ending in -taxis (phototaxis)) && the science and art of disposing (arrange) and maneuvering forces in combat || the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end || a system or mode of procedure (e.g. dishonest tactics) || the study of the grammatical relations within a language including morphology and syntax && of or relating to combat tactics: such as - of or occurring at the battlefront; using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront; (of an air force) of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces || of or relating to tactics: such as - of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose; made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view; adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose

fait accompli (fay+t ah-kam+pli)

a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible; a thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept it || [French, accomplished fact]

drub (dra+b)

to beat severely; drum (to strike or tap (to strike lightly especially with a slight sound) repeatedly), stamp (to strike heavy repeated blows) || to berate (to scold or condemn vehemently and at length) critically || to defeat decisively (unmistakable, unquestionable)

gall (g+aw+l)

brazen (marked by shameless or disrespectful boldness) boldness often with brash (aggressively self-assertive; impudent) self-confidence : nerve, effrontery (shameless boldness; insolence) (usually used in the phrase have the gall) || something bitter to endure || bitterness of spirit; rancor (bitter deep-seated ill will) || to irritate, vex || to fret (rub, chafe) and wear away by friction : chafe || a skin sore caused by chronic irritation (cause inflammation or other discomfort in (a part of the body)) || a cause or state of exasperation (having or showing strong feelings of irritation or annoyance) || an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usually due to insect or mite parasites or fungi and sometimes forming an important source of tannin; denoting insects or mites that produce galls

corona (co-r+aw+na) (plural - coronae or coronas)

the projecting part of a classic cornice (the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition) || something suggesting a crown: such as - a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a luminous body (such as the sun or moon) caused by diffraction (a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected) produced by suspended droplets or occasionally particles of dust; the tenuous (not dense) outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (such as the sun); the upper portion of a bodily part (such as a tooth or the skull); a faint glow adjacent to the surface of an electrical conductor at high voltage; (informal) coronavirus || a long cigar having the sides straight to the end to be lit and being roundly blunt at the other end || a circular chandelier in a church || [crown - the highest part; a wreath, band, or circular ornament for the head; something resembling a wreath or crown]

dynamo (dy+ne-m+aw)

generator (a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy) || a forceful (possessing or filled with force; effective) energetic individual

élan (eh-laan)

vigorous spirit or enthusiasm

redux (ri-da+ks)

(adj.) brought back (used postpositively (placed after or at the end of another word)) (e.g. a "Cold War redux") || [DYK]

marshal (mar-sh+all)

a high official in the household of a medieval king, prince, or noble originally having charge of the cavalry but later usually in command of the military forces || a person who arranges and directs the ceremonial aspects of a gathering || field marshal (the highest ranking military officer (as in the British army)) || a general officer of the highest military rank || an officer having charge of prisoners || a ministerial (acting or active as an agent) officer appointed for a judicial district (as of the U.S.) to execute the process of the courts and perform various duties similar to those of a sheriff (an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (such as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)); a city law officer entrusted with particular duties || the administrative head of a city police department or fire department || to place in proper rank or position || to bring together and order in an appropriate or effective way || to lead ceremoniously or solicitously : usher

stillbirth

the birth of a dead fetus ((strictly, after having survived through at least the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, earlier instances being regarded as abortion or miscarriage))

bushel (boo-sh+all)

any of various units of dry capacity (a series of units of capacity for dry commodities) || a container holding a bushel; a container with the capacity of a bushel || a large quantity || to repair, renovate (to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding))

excoriate (ex-k+aw-ri+ay+t)

to wear (to produce gradually by friction or attrition (the act of rubbing together)) off the skin of : abrade || to censure scathingly

pall, palliate (p+aw+l) (pe-li+ay+t)

to lose strength or effectiveness || to lose in interest or attraction; to cause to become insipid (lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge) || to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating || to dwindle || a square of linen usually stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice (a drinking cup; goblet; especially : the eucharistic cup) || a heavy cloth draped over a coffin; a coffin especially when holding a body || to cover with a pall : drape || something that covers or conceals; esp. : an overspreading element that produces an effect of gloom || a feeling of gloom && to reduce the violence of (a disease); also : to ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease || to cover by excuses and apologies; disguise the seriousness or gravity of (an offense) || to moderate the intensity of

stooge (stoo+j)

one who plays a subordinate (submissive to or controlled by authority) or compliant role to a principal; puppet (one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence) || to act as a stooge || straight man (a member of a comedy team who feeds lines to a partner who in turn replies with usually humorous quips) || perform a role that involves being the butt (an object of abuse or ridicule) of a comedian's jokes || stool pigeon (a person acting as a decoy (someone or something used to lure or lead another into a trap; someone or something used to draw attention away from another) or informer; esp. : a spy sent into a group to report (as to the police) on its activities) || move around aimlessly; drift (to move in a random or casual way) or cruise (to travel without destination or purpose)

arrear (ah-rir)

the state of being behind in the discharge of obligations || an unfinished duty || an unpaid and overdue debt || [usually used in plural in ALL definitions; rear - being at the back]

earthwork

an embankment or other construction made of earth; esp. : one used as a field fortification (works erected to defend a place or position) || the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth || a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified (to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end) by an artist

imbroglio (eem-br+aw+l-y+aw)

an acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding || a scandal || a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation : embroilment || an intricate (having many complexly interrelating parts or elements) or complicated situation (as in a drama or novel) || a confused mass (e.g. an imbroglio of scattered documents) || [embroil - to throw into disorder or confusion; to involve in conflict or difficulties]

sedulous (se-je+les)

involving or accomplished with careful perseverance (continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition) || diligent in application or pursuit || [assiduous - showing great care, attention, and effort]

tectonic (tek-taa+nik)

of or relating to tectonics (geologic structural features as a whole) || having a strong and widespread impact || [architect] relating to building or construction

abeyance, abeyant (ah-b+ay+ens) (ah-b+ay+ent)

a state of temporary inactivity : suspension (used chiefly in the phrase in abeyance) || a lapse (interruption, discontinuance) in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested && adj. of abeyance (e.g. We stood, abeyant, ready to receive what fate should administer) || [borrowed from Anglo-French abeyaunce "absence of a claimant or owner, lapse in succession"]

reify (r+ay-eh+fy)

to consider or represent (something abstract) as a material or concrete thing : to give definite content and form to (a concept or idea) || [DYK]

epicenter (eh+pe-sen+ter)

the part of the earth's surface directly above the focus (the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake) of an earthquake || center (a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal (critical) in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition) || [The meaning of epi- in epicenter is "over", so the epicenter of an earthquake lies over the center or "focus" of the quake]

sinecure ((sigh)+ne-k+yur)

an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income || [DYK]

upstage

(adverb) toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage || (adj.) of or relating to the rear of a stage || (noun) the part of a stage that is farthest from the audience or camera || (adverb) away from a movie or television camera || to force (an actor) to face away from the audience by staying upstage; (of an actor) move towards the back of a stage to make (another actor) face away from the audience || haughty || to treat snobbishly (one who tends to rebuff (to reject or criticize sharply), avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior) || to draw attention away from

foil (foy+l)

to prevent from attaining an end : defeat (frustrate) || to bring to naught : thwart (to oppose successfully) || very thin sheet metal || to back or cover with foil || a thin piece of material (such as metal) put under an inferior or paste (a brilliant glass of high lead content used for the manufacture of artificial gems) stone to add color or brilliance || someone or something that serves as a contrast to another || to enhance by contrast || an indentation between cusps in Gothic tracery (architectural ornamental work with branching lines; esp. : decorative openwork (work constructed so as to show openings through its substance) in a Gothic window); one of several arcs that enclose a complex figure || a light fencing sword having a usually circular guard and a flexible blade of rectangular section tapering to a blunted point || the art or sport of fencing with the foil (often used in plural)

gouge (ga+oo+j)

a chisel with a concavo-convex (concave on one side and convex (curved or rounded outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle) on the other) cross section || the act of gouging || a groove or cavity scooped out || to scoop out with or as if with a gouge || an excessive or improper charge for something : extortion (a gross overcharge) || to make (someone) pay too much for something : overcharge || cut or force something out roughly or brutally; to force out (an eye) with the thumb; to thrust the thumb into the eye of

trepidation, trepid, trepidant, trepidatious (tre+pe-day+shen) (tre+ped)

a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : APPREHENSION && timorous (of a timid disposition), fearful && (tre-pe+dent) timid, trembling && (tre+pe-day+shes) feeling trepidation : apprehensive || [The word comes from the Latin verb trepidare, which means "to tremble"; intrepid - characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance]

breakaway

one that breaks away || a departure from or rejection of something (such as a group or tradition) || favoring independence from an affiliation (the state or relation of being closely associated or affiliated (to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch) with a particular person, group, party, company, etc.) : seceding || to detach oneself especially from a group : get away || to depart from former or accustomed ways || a play (as in hockey) in which an offensive player breaks free of the defenders and rushes toward the goal || a sudden acceleration by one or more bicyclists pulling away from the pack in a race || of, relating to, or resulting from a breakaway (e.g. a breakaway goal) || allowing or having an ability to execute a breakaway || to pull away (to move off or ahead) with a burst of speed || an object made to shatter or collapse under pressure or impact (as in a stage play or movie) || made to break, shatter, or bend easily

sorely (s+aw+r-li) (adverb)

in a sore manner : painfully || very, extremely

largesse (or less commonly largess) (lar-zh+es or lar-je+s)

liberal (marked by generosity) giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also : something so given || generosity (characterized by a noble or kindly spirit; magnanimous) || [The word largesse, which also can be spelled largess, comes from Anglo-French large, meaning "generous."]

furbish, refurbish (fur-be+sh) (re+fur-be+sh)

to make lustrous : polish || to give a new look to : renovate (to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)) (often used with up) && to brighten or freshen up : renovate

inveigh, invective (in-vay) (in-vek-tiv)

to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently : rail (to revile (to subject to verbal abuse) or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language) && insulting or abusive language : vituperation || an abusive expression or speech || of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

figurehead

the carved figure on a ship's bow || a leader in name only : a head or chief (leader) (as of a country or organization) with little or no authoritative power || a person who has commanding authority or influence : leader

démarche (or demarche) (de-mar+sh)

a course of action : maneuver (an action taken to gain a tactical end) || a diplomatic or political initiative or maneuver || a petition (a formal written request made to an authority or organized body (such as a court); an earnest request) or protest presented through diplomatic channels || [DYK]

shore up

to support (something) or keep (something) from falling by placing something under or against it || to support or help (something) || [shore - a prop (support) for preventing sinking or sagging (drift); to give support to; brace (to make stronger; reinforce)]

codicil (kaa-de+s+all)

a legal instrument made to modify (to make minor changes in) an earlier will || appendix, supplement || [DYK]

assuage (ah-(sw+ay)+j)

to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : ease || pacify (to allay the anger or agitation of; appease), quiet (to cause to be quiet; calm) || to put an end to by satisfying : appease (to cause to subside; allay), quench (to relieve or satisfy with liquid) || [DYK]

aver (ah+vur)

to declare positively (fully assured; confident) || (law) to verify or prove to be true in pleading (to argue a case or cause in a court of law) a cause || (law) to allege or assert in pleading || [verify]

billet (bi-let)

an official order (a commission (a formal written warrant) to purchase, sell, or supply goods or to perform work) directing that a member of a military force be provided with board and lodging (food and a place to sleep) (as in a private home) || quarters (lodgings) assigned by or as if by a billet || to assign lodging to (someone, such as a soldier) by or as if by a billet || to serve with a billet || a position, job || a chunky (heavy, solid, and thick or bulky) piece of wood (as for firewood) || a bar of metal || a piece of semifinished (rolled from raw ingots into shapes (such as bars, billets, or plates) suitable for further processing) iron or steel nearly square in section made by rolling an ingot || [bill - a written document or note]

clamp, clamp down (kle+mp)

a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly || any of various instruments or appliances (a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose; attachment) having parts brought together for holding or compressing something || to fasten with or as if with a clamp || to place by decree : impose (often used with on) || to hold tightly || a heap of potatoes or other root vegetables stored under straw or earth && the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent || to impose restrictions : crack down (to take positive (formally laid down or imposed) regulatory or disciplinary action)

scramble (sk+rem-b+all)

to move with urgency or panic || to move or climb hastily especially on all fours || to collect or put together hastily || to struggle eagerly or unceremoniously (rude) for possession of something || to get or gather something with difficulty or in irregular ways || to spread or grow irregularly : sprawl, straggle (grow, spread, or be laid out in an irregular, untidy way) || (of an interceptor fighter aircraft) to take off quickly in response to an alert; to cause or order (interceptor fighter aircraft) to take off quickly || to toss or mix together in confusion : to throw into disorder : jumble || to prepare (eggs) by stirring during frying || a disordered mass : jumble || to disarrange the elements of a transmission (such as a telephone or television signal) in order to make unintelligible to interception || the act or an instance of scrambling: such as - the act of moving or climbing over something quickly especially on all fours; a jostling and pushing for possession; an eager and unceremonious or unscrupulous struggle; a rapid emergency takeoff of interceptor fighter aircraft || [perhaps alteration of scrabble]

pitch

to erect and fix firmly in place (e.g. a tent) || to throw usually with a particular objective or toward a particular point ("pitch hay onto a wagon") : such as - to throw (a baseball) to a batter; to toss (something, such as coins) so as to fall at or near a mark; to put aside or discard by or as if by throwing || to use as a starting pitcher; to play as pitcher || to present or advertise especially in a high-pressure way : plug (to advertise or publicize insistently), promote; to attempt to persuade especially with a sales pitch || to present (a movie or program idea) for consideration (as by a TV producer) || to utter glibly and insincerely || to cause to be at a particular level or of a particular quality (e.g. a test pitched for…) || to set in a particular musical key || to cause to be set at a particular angle : slope || a slope; also : degree of slope : rake || a steep place : declivity || the relative level, intensity, or extent of some quality or state || throw (give way to) || to fall precipitately or headlong || (of a ship) to have the bow alternately plunge precipitately and rise abruptly || to buck ((of a horse or mule) to spring into the air with the back arched) || the action or a manner of pitching; esp. : an up-and-down movement || to hit upon or happen upon something

pitch into

to attack, assail || to set to work on energetically

effigy, in effigy (eh-fe+ji)

an image or representation especially of a person; esp. : a crude (rough or inexpert in plan or execution) figure representing a hated person || a sculpture or model (a usually miniature representation of something) of a person && publicly in the form of an effigy (e.g. was burned in effigy) || [DYK]

sapper (se-per)

a military specialist in field fortification work (such as sapping) || a military demolitions (explosives for destruction in war) specialist || [sap - the extension of a trench to a point beneath an enemy's fortifications]

casus belli (plural - casus belli) (ka+ses be+li)

an event or action that justifies or allegedly justifies a war or conflict || [belligerent - waging war; New Latin, occasion (a state of affairs that provides a ground or reason) of war]

tout (like 'about' but with t at the beginning)

to make much of : promote, talk up (to discuss favorably; advocate) || to solicit (to try to obtain (something) by usually urgent requests or pleas), peddle, or persuade importunately (overly persistent in request or demand) || to spy on : watch || to spy on racehorses in training to gain information for betting || to give a tip or solicit bets on a racehorse; offer racing tips for a share of any resulting winnings || one who touts: such as - one who solicits patronage (the support or influence of a patron (one who buys the goods or uses the services offered especially by an establishment)); a person who buys tickets for an event to resell them at a profit; one who spies out racing information for betting purposes; one who gives tips or solicits bets on a racehorse

fledgling (fle+j-liŋ)

a young bird just fledged (to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity) || an immature or inexperienced person || one that is new || [(all definitions are noun) often attributive (joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb (such as city in city streets))]

bristle (bri-s+all)

a short stiff coarse hair or filament (a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object) || to furnish with short stiff coarse hairs or filaments : to furnish with bristles || to rise and stand stiffly erect || to raise the bristles (as in anger or fear) || to make aggressive or angry : to make bristly (inclined to or showing aggressiveness or anger) : ruffle (trouble, vex) || to take on an aggressively defensive attitude (as in response to a slight or criticism) || to be full of or covered with especially something suggestive of bristles || to be full of something specified

graft (gre+ft)

a grafted (to cause (a scion) to unite with a stock (the main stem of a plant; trunk)) plant || scion (a detached living portion of a plant (such as a bud or shoot) joined to a stock in grafting and usually supplying solely aerial parts to a graft) || the point of insertion of a scion upon a stock || to cause (a scion) to unite with a stock; also : to unite (plants or scion and stock) to form a graft || to propagate (to cause to continue or increase by sexual or asexual reproduction) (a plant) by grafting || to implant (living tissue) surgically || the act of grafting; a surgical operation in which tissue is transplanted || something grafted; specifically : living tissue used in grafting || to join or unite as if by grafting || to attach (a chemical unit) to a main molecular chain || the acquisition of gain (such as money) in dishonest or questionable ways; also : illegal or unfair gain || to get (illicit gain) by graft || (noun) work, labor (also verb) [perhaps related to the phrase spade's graft - "the amount of earth that one stroke of a spade will move"]

mortify, mortification (m+aw+r-te+fy) (m+aw+r-de+fe-kay+shen)

to subject to severe and vexing (to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to) embarrassment : shame || to subdue (to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will) or deaden (the body, bodily appetites, etc.) especially by abstinence (the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable) or self-inflicted pain or discomfort || [mortal] to become necrotic (affected with, characterized by, or producing death of a usually localized area of living tissue) or gangrenous (local death of soft tissues due to loss of blood supply) || [DYK] && a sense of humiliation and shame caused by something that wounds one's pride or self-respect; the cause of such humiliation or shame || necrosis, gangrene (definition above) || the subjection (subjugate) and denial of bodily passions and appetites by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort

fealty (fi+l-ti)

the fidelity (the quality or state of being faithful) of a vassal or feudal tenant to his lord; the obligation (the action of obligating (to bind legally or morally) oneself to a course of action (as by a promise or vow)) of such fidelity || intense fidelity || [DYK]

chargé d'affaires (shar-zh+ay de-fer)

a subordinate diplomat who substitutes for an absent ambassador or minister (a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador) || a diplomat inferior in rank to an ambassador or minister who heads a mission when no ambassador or minister is assigned || [French, literally, one charged with affairs]

garrulous, garrulity (ge-ru+les) (ge-roo+le+ti)

given to prosy (tediously dull in speech or manner), rambling (to talk or write in an aimless, erratic (characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity), and often long-winded (tediously long in speaking or writing) fashion), or tedious loquacity (the quality or state of being very talkative) : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative || wordy (using or containing many and usually too many words) && the quality or state of being garrulous

juncture (ju+nk-ch+er)

a point of time; esp. : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances || joint, connection (as in muscles/bones) || the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech (e.g., distinguishing I scream from ice cream) || an instance of joining : junction (an act of joining; the state of being joined) || [DYK]

invidious (in-vi+di+es)

of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : obnoxious (odiously or disgustingly objectionable; highly offensive) || of a kind to cause harm or resentment; unfairly discriminating; unjust || tending to cause discontent, animosity (a strong feeling of dislike or hatred), or envy || envious || [DYK]

obverse (ah+b+ver+s)

(adj.) facing the observer or opponent || having the base narrower than the top (e.g. a leaf) || a counterpart having the opposite orientation or force; also : opposite; (adj.) constituting the obverse of something : opposite || the side of a coin or currency note bearing the chief device (a design that is an emblem) and lettering; broadly : a front or principal surface || the design or inscription on the obverse side of a coin or medal || a proposition inferred immediately from another by denying the opposite of what the given proposition affirms (e.g. the obverse of "all A is B" is "no A is not B")

strongman

one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military methods; a leader who rules by the exercise of threats, force, or violence || a man of great physical strength, especially one who performs feats of strength as a form of entertainment

descry (de-s+(cry))

to catch sight of || find out, discover || [DYK]

rake (r+ay-k)

an implement equipped with projecting prongs to gather material (such as leaves) or for loosening or smoothing the surface of the ground || a machine for gathering hay || an implement like a rake || to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake || to gain rapidly or in abundance (usually used with in) || to touch in passing over lightly; scratch, scrape || to censure severely || to search through : ransack (to look through thoroughly in often a rough way) || to sweep the length of especially with gunfire : enfilade (to rake or be in a position to rake with gunfire in a lengthwise direction) || to glance over rapidly || inclination from the perpendicular; esp. : the overhang (the part of the bow or stern of a ship that projects over the water above the waterline) of a ship's bow or stern || inclination from the horizontal : slope || to incline from the perpendicular || a dissolute (marked by indulgence in things (such as drink or promiscuous sex) deemed vices) person : libertine (one leading a dissolute life)

dogfight

a fight between dogs; broadly : a fiercely disputed (to struggle against; to contend over) contest || a fight between two or more fighter planes usually at close quarters || to engage in a dogfight

lame (l+ay-m)

unable or only partially able to use a body part and especially a limb || marked by stiffness and soreness || not strong, good, or effective : lacking necessary or desirable substance : weak, ineffectual || boring, foolish, or unsophisticated (lacking social or economic sophistication) (also noun) || inferior || contemptible, nasty (lacking in courtesy or sportsmanship) || to seriously injure a leg or part of a leg || (the lame) (dated, now usually offensive) people who are unable or only partially able to use a body part and especially a limb || a thin plate especially of metal : lamina (a thin plate or scale; layer) || (plural lames) small overlapping steel plates joined to slide on one another (as in medieval armor)

desist (de-sis+t or de-siz+t)

to cease to proceed or act || [de + assist - to give support or aid]

buzz

to make a low continuous humming sound like that of a bee || a persistent (existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously) vibratory sound || murmur (a soft or gentle utterance), whisper || to be filled with a confused murmur (a low indistinct but often continuous sound) || a confused murmur || a rumor, gossip || a flurry (a brief period of commotion or excitement) of activity || fad (a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal), craze || speculative or excited talk or attention relating especially to a new or forthcoming product or event; also : an instance of such talk or attention || to make a signal with a buzzer (an electric signaling device that makes a buzzing sound (as in basketball)); also : to let in through an electronically controlled entrance (used with in or through) || a signal conveyed by buzzer; specifically : a telephone call || to go quickly : hurry; also : scram (to go away at once) (usually used with off) || to feel high especially from a drug; (noun) high || to fly fast and close to || to drink to the last drop

vituperate, vituperative, vituperation(vy-too-pe+ray+t)

to abuse (to attack in words) or censure severely or abusively (using harsh, insulting language) : berate (to scold or condemn vehemently and at length) && uttering or given to censure : containing or characterized by verbal abuse && sustained and bitter railing (to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language) and condemnation : vituperative utterance || an act or instance of vituperating || [It first appeared in English in the mid-16th century and can be traced back to two Latin words: the noun vitium (vice, vitiate - to make faulty or defective; impair), meaning "fault," and the verb parare, meaning "to make or prepare"]

rabid (re+bed)

extremely violent : FURIOUS || going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion; fanatical || affected with rabies (an acute virus disease of the nervous system of mammals that is caused by a rhabdovirus usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and that is characterized typically by increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and eventual paralysis and death when untreated)

volte-face (vol+t f+aas)

a reversal in policy : about-face (a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view; a reversal of direction) || an act of turning around so as to face in the opposite direction || [DYK]

salvo (sal-v+aw)

a simultaneous discharge of two or more guns in military action or as a salute || the release all at one time of a rack of bombs or rockets (as from an airplane) || a series of shots by an artillery battery (a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes) with each gun firing one round in turn after a prescribed interval || the bombs or projectiles (e.g. artillery) released in a salvo || something suggestive of a salvo: such as - a sudden burst; a spirited (full of energy, animation, or courage) attack || to release a salvo of; to fire a salvo || a mental reservation (a limiting condition) : proviso || a means of safeguarding one's name or honor or allaying one's conscience : salve (a remedial or soothing influence or agency)

calculus (plural - calculi) (kel-k+ye-les)

a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic or symbolic logic) (e.g. ¬ F → ¬ P) || the mathematical methods comprising differential and integral calculus (often used with the) || calculation || a concretion (a hard usually inorganic mass (such as a bezoar or tophus) formed in a living body) usually of mineral (inorganic; being or composed of matter other than plant or animal) salts around organic material found especially in hollow organs or ducts (a bodily tube or vessel especially when carrying the secretion of a gland) || a system or arrangement of intricate or interrelated parts