benefactor
The definition for benefactor is "One who offers financial help." Used in a sentence: Michael's aunt and benefactor paid his college tuition.
gruff
The definition for gruff is "Rough or stern in manner or speech." Used in a sentence: Heidi's grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling.
onset
The definition for onset is "Beginning." Used in a sentence: Crocuses bloom at the onset of spring, sometimes even before the snow melts.
prune
The definition for prune is "To reduce by removing excess." Used in a sentence: The candidate pruned his speech so he would not exceed the time limit.
regale
The definition for regale is "To amuse." Used in a sentence: My clever brother Jeffrey regaled the dinner guests with tales of his adventures.