flay
to strip off the skin, as by whipping; to scold or criticize severely
felony
a crime of such seriousness that it is punishable by a severe sentence
efficacious
producing the desired effect; effective
rationalize
to explain in a manner that is false but seems reasonable; to devise self-serving but false reasons; to explain away
degenerate
to decline in physical, mental, or moral qualities; a person having low moral standards; having grown worse or deteriorated
imperious
domineering; overbearing; arrogant
relent
to give in or yield to something; to become less harsh
malevolent
wishing harm or evil to others; showing or having ill will toward others; spiteful
equestrian
a horseback rider; pertaining to horses or the riding of horses
bandy
to toss back and forth; to exchange; to discuss lightly