barren
land too poor to produce much or any vegetation
premier
first in importance, order, or position; leading
avarice
greed; extreme desire for wealth or material gain
mercenary
primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics
vexatious
causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry
dominate
to have power and influence over others
abominable
unnatural in a repugnant and revolting way
catafalque
a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or while lying in state
cessation
bringing something to an end; a stopping
gild
to cover over with a thin layer of gold; used metaphorically to describe an attractive layer placed over something not naturally attractive.
missive
a written letter that usually conveys a sense of formality within the context of being sent to an esteemed recipient
rebuff
a harshly formed rejection or refusal; to snub
rouse
to awaken or disturb into a sense of an awareness
squander
thoughtless waste; lavish overconsumption of limited resources
superfluity
an excessive oversupply
portly
bulky and overweight; stout and stocky
daunt
make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive
parsimony
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
mazurka
a lively Polish dance in triple time
capricious
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
