| A | B |
|---|
| vantage point | n. a position that allows a clear view or understanding, an advantageous position |
| bode | v. to be a sign or omen of ; to portend |
| gauntlet | n. a long, heavy, protective glove; a metal-plated glove, part of a knight's armor |
| mottled | adj. marked with spots, blotches, or streaks of different colors |
| misnomer | n. a wrong name; an error in naming a person, place, or thing |
| terra firma | n. solid earth; firm ground |
| burnish | v. to polish; to make shiny by rubbing; n. a glossy finish; a luster |
| esoteric | adj. intended for or understood by only a few; confidential; private |
| mete | v. to give according to measure or one's judgment; to allot or distribute |
| coerce | v. to compel; to force, to dominate or restrain by force |
| enigma | n. a riddle or puzzle; something puzzling or unexplainable; a mystery |
| volunimous | adj. very large; capable of filling volumes |
| consternation | n. great fear or shock that leaves one confused and bewildered; great dismay |
| acrimonious | adj. sharp or bitter in language or manner |
| precursor | n. something or someone that goes before and indicates what is to follow; a forerunner; a predecessor, as in office |
| atrophy | v. to waste away; to wither; n. a wasting away, especially of a part or parts of the body |
| expound | v. to interpret; to set forth or explain in detail |
| anachronism | n. anything out of its proper historical or chronological time; the thing incorrectly placed; a person or idea considered as out of date |
| desist | n. to stop doing something; to cease; to abstain |
| loquacious | adj. fond of talking; talkative |
