Uncommon

scurrilous

[skur-uh-luhs]

making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation

onset

[on-set-set]

the early stages of something

charlatan

[shahr-luh-tn]

a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack

belong

[bih-lawng]

to be a member or part of something

beguile

[bih-gahyl]

charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way

blemish

[bl-emi-ish]

an imperfection, flaw

volitional

[voh-lish-uh-nl]

done of one’s own will or choosing; deliberately decided or chosen

decorous

[de-cor-ous]

socially proper, appropriate

policy

[pol-uh-see]

a course of action adopted or proposed by an organization or government; a set of principles or rules.

roust

[roust]

cause to get up or start moving; rouse

surly

[sur-lee]

bad-tempered and unfriendly

humbug

[huhm-buhg]

deceptive or false talk or behavior

oeillade

[œ-yad]

an amorous glance; ogle

eleemosynary

[el-uh-mos-uh-ner-ee]

relating to charity or almsgiving.

brawl

[br-awl-awl]

a rough or noisy fight or quarrel.

nadir

[ney-der]

the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair

blithe

[blahyth]

showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper

eucatastrophe

[yoo-kuh-ta-struh-fee]

a sudden and favorable resolution of events in a story; a happy ending

largesse

[lar- jes]

the generous bestowal of gifts, favors, or money

alluring

[uh-loor-ing]

powerfully attractive or charming

confidential

[kon-fi-den-shuhl]

intended to be kept private or secret

corroborate

[kuh-rob-uh-reyt]

confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)

redoubtable

[ri-dou-tuh-buhl]

that is to be feared; formidable

sustenance

[suhs-tuh-nuhns]

food or drink regarded as a source of strength or nourishment