A cuirass is a piece of armor that covers the back and chest. 

A homunculus is a "little man."

A decrease in the density of something is rarefaction.

To reiterate something is to say or do something again, or many times. 

Reciprocity is a relation of mutual dependence or action or influence.

To be glum is to be sad. 

If you are willing to submit to someone's request, then you are compliant.

A referral sends someone somewhere, often for help or advice.

When you finagle, you get out of something using devious methods.

saccharine means overly sweet.

A chador is a long, cape-like garment that covers the hair and body of some devout Muslim women. 

Skulduggery is dishonest words that are meant to trick people.

The adjective meek describes a person who is willing to go along with whatever other people want to do.

Benevolence is an act of kindness or an inclination to be kind. 

Intervening means happening between other things. 

Vivid is an adjective that describes an image in your mind that is so clear you can almost touch it.

A whim is an odd or fanciful idea, something kooky you suddenly decide to do。

Squalor means extremely dirty, filthy or just plain disgusting. 

A strait is a narrow sea channel or a difficult situation.

When you disinherit someone, you decide not to leave that person anything in your will.