cunning
showing inventiveness and skill
deem
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
endeavor
attempt by employing effort
entanglement
an intricate trap that entangles or ensnares its victim
erstwhile
belonging to some prior time
espouse
choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
foe
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
forestall
act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
grievance
a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action
grudging
petty or reluctant in giving or spending
heyday
the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
hutch
a cage (usually made of wood and wire mesh) for small animals
impervious
not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
juggling
throwing and catching several objects simultaneously
linger
remain present although waning or gradually dying
lip service
an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction
loom
a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile
meddlesome
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
mighty
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
onslaught
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
perfidious
tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
reckless
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
rein
one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
repose
freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
rickety
inclined to shake as from weakness or defect
seamless
not having or joined by a seam or seams
shackle
a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
smother
deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
sneer
a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
stalemate
a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
strain
to exert much effort or energy
sweep away
eliminate completely and without a trace
thwarting
an act of hindering someone's plans or efforts
verity
conformity to reality or actuality
vis-a-vis
a person or thing having the same function or characteristics as another
watchful
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
Whig
a member of the political party that urged social reform in 18th and 19th century England; was the opposition party to the Tories
worm
any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae
foster
providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
