benighted (adj.) - overtaken by night or darkness

penchant (n) - a definite liking; a strong inclination

desiccate (v) - to dry out thoroughly

deft (adj.) - quick and skillful; adroit

adroit (adj.) - dextrous; deft

arbitrary (adj.) - determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle

apt (n) - exactly suitable; appropriate

subvert (v) - to destroy completely; ruin

alimony (n) - 1. law an allowance for support made under court order to a divorced person by the former spouse, usually the chief provider during the marriage; alimony may also be granted without a divorce, as between legally separated persons 2. a means of livelihood; maintenance