(adj) antiquated; belonging to an earlier or more primitive type; obsolete
cavil
(v) to make frivolous objections; to find fault
decimate
(v) to destroy a large part of
eschew
(v) to keep from or shun something wrong or distasteful
gregarious
(adj) tending to move in a group or herd; enjoying the company of others; sociable
impute
(v) to ascribe a crime to another; to attribute to a source
intrepid
(adj) fearless; bold; not trembling with fear
libidinous
(adj) characterized by lustful desires; lewdness
melange
(n) a mixture of dissimilar elements
mellifluous
(adj) smooth and sweet like honey
novitiate
(n) a beginner; period of time spent by one about to enter religious orders
nuance
(n) a shade of difference; a delicate gradation
puerile
(adj) childish; foolish; unthinking
summary
(adj) all inclusive; concise; done without delay
avarice
(n) greed; covetousness
badinage
(n) light, playful banter; flippant repartee; joking around
calumny
(n) slander; false accusation of a crime
desultory
(adj) aimless; jumping from one subject to another; random
ebullience
(n) overflowing; boiling up or over; exhilaration of spirits
halcyon
(adj) calm and peaceful
idiosyncrasy
(n) a peculiarity; an eccentricity
irascible
(adj) easily angered; cranky
jingoism
(n) an extreme patriot; chauvinist
Machiavellian
(adj) of or pertaining to the principles of state craft attributed to Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), author of The Prince; namely that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power
pallid
(adj) pale
patent
(adj) obvious, plain
recondite
(adj) hidden; concealed; difficult to comprehend
stolid
(adj) dull; not easily excited; impassive
tacit
(adj) unspoken; silent; implied or indicated but not actually expressed