Chapter X · On an Irish Dance

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

later than; following

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

eagerly desirous

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

plural of “attraction” — the force by which one object attracts another

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

past form of “chill” — depress or discourage

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

-ing form of “declare” — state emphatically and authoritatively

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

grow worse

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

the act of departing

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

true confidential information

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

look down on with disdain

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

agreeably diverting

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

devised; developed according to an orderly plan

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

set up or found

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

a message received and understood

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

in a nasty ill-tempered manner

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

the force of workers available

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

above and across; more than

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

on the contrary

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

past form of “relish” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

not used up

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

plural of “rite” — an established ceremony prescribed by a religion

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

in a grave and sedate manner

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.

migratory

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The other men who did not want to be entertained on the principles formulated by Lady Innisfail, meanly kept out of her way after dinner.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

in or at the place that

From this reading Lord Innisfail announced his intention of remaining where he had dined; but he was one of the few men who could afford to brave Lady Innisfail’s disdain and to decline to be chilled by her cold glances.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

which person or people

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading LADY INNISFAIL’S guests--especially those who had been wandering over the mountains with guns all day--found her rather too indefatigable in her search for new methods of entertaining them.

-ing form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading The notion of an after-dinner stroll of a few miles to the village of Ballycruiskeen for the sake of witnessing an entertainment, the details of which Lady Innisfail was unable to do more than suggest, and the attractions of which were rather more than doubtful, was not largely relished at the Castle.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading They hoped that they might have a chance of declaring solemnly afterwards, that they had been anxious to go, but had waited in vain for information as to the hour of departure, the costume to be worn, and the password--if a password were needed--to admit them to the historic rites of the Cruiskeen.