Spelling/Vocabulary List #4

Akimbo  adverb
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward;
(of other limbs) flung out wildly or haphazardly

Champertous  adjective
(being of) an illegal agreement in which a person with no previous interest in a lawsuit finances it with a view to sharing the disputed property if the suit succeeds

Countenance noun
a person's face or facial expression; support

verb [trans.]
admit as acceptable or possible

Dispel verb [trans.]
make (a doubt, feeling or belief) disappear; drive something away; scatter

Eccentricity noun
the quality of being eccentric
● (usu. eccentricities) an eccentric act, habit, or thing

Elucidate verb [trans.]
make something clear; explain

Frank adjective
open, honest and direct in speech or writing, esp. when dealing with unpalatable matters
open, sincere, or undisguised in appearance or manner

Fey adjective
giving an impression of vague worldiness
● having supernatural powers of clairvoyance
● (chiefly Scottish) fated to die or at the point of death

Probate noun
the official proving of a will
● a verified copy of a will with a certificate as handed to the executors

verb [trans.]
establish the validity of  (a will)

Profane adjective
1 relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious
2 (of a person or their behavior) not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent
● (of language) blasphemous or obscene

verb [trans.]
treat (something sacred) with irreverence or disrepect

Prominent adjective
1 important; famous
2 projecting from something; protuberant
● situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable

Shrill adjective
(of a voice or sound) high pitched and piercing
● derogatory (esp. of a complaint or demand) loud and forceful

verb
make a shrill noise
● speak or cry with a shrill voice

noun
a shrill sound or cry

Solicitor noun
1 a person who tries to obtain business orders, advertising, etc. as a canvasser.
2 the chief law officer of a city, town, or government department.

Unobtrusive adjective
not conspicuous or attracting attention