timidity = lack of self-confidence or courage
understate = state with less truth than seems warranted
by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate
protocol = diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette
observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.



veracity = truthfulness; adherence to the truth
valedictory = pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address
(esp. at graduation exercises)
tithe = tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay a
tithe
lexicographer = compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography:
work of compiling a dictionary
plumage = feathers of a bird;
molecule = the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a
substance that has all the properties of that substance
turmoil = extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion;
Ex. throw the country into turmoil
endue = provide with some quality; endow
parsimony = stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious
gouge = tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge
his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in
wood
homely = not good-looking; unattractive
trajectory = path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a
bullet
gallows = framework from which a noose is suspended
(used for execution by hanging)
censorious = severely critical
aggregate = sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or
whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
gnarled = twisted