to form small squares or blocks, as floors or pavements; form or arrange in a checkered or mosaic pattern

a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something

to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily

stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient

to make false and malicious statements about; slander

a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves toward another (as in coin, loud, and side)

to glide toward the earth in an airplane, with no motor power or with the power shut off

exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant

of or relating to the deities, spirits, and other beings dwelling under the earth

the state of being no longer used or practiced

to run away hurriedly; flee

to comment or discourse at great length

causing annoyance, irritation, or aversion; repellent.

holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold

to use or address with harsh or abusive language; revile

to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary