Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

how long something has existed

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

from appearances alone

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

without doubt or question

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

United States singer and film actor (1903-1977)

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

put on clothes

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

plural of “flannel” — a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a native or resident of the American state of Georgia

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

and nothing more

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

plural of “lawn” — a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

plural of “ledger” — a record in which commercial accounts are recorded

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

the force of workers available

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eighteen and one

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

on one occasion

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

and nothing more

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

above and across; more than

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

having pillars

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

sufficiently fat so as to have a pleasing fullness of figure

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a safe place

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

plural of “terror” — an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

covered or furnished with tiles

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

not ostentatious

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Arthur was strolling up and down the lawn with the Home Secretary, smoking and chatting--talking indeed nineteen to the dozen, and entirely at his ease.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

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

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

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

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

during the time that

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

a Caucasian

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

belonging to which person

From this reading Lady Dunstable, in a flowing dress of lilac crêpe and a large black hat, had just given Mrs. Meadows a second cup of tea, and was clearly doing her duty--and showing it--to a guest whose entertainment could not be trusted to go of itself.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading It was a perfect June evening: Doris was seated on one of the spreading lawns of Crosby Ledgers,--a low Georgian house, much added to at various times, and now a pleasant medley of pillared verandahs, tiled roofs, cupolas, and dormer windows, apparently unpretending, but, as many people knew, one of the most luxurious of English country houses.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The only other persons at the tea-table--the Meadowses having arrived late--were an elderly man with long Dundreary whiskers, in a Panama hat and a white waistcoat, and a lady of uncertain age, plump, kind-eyed, and merry-mouthed, in whom Doris had at once divined a possible harbour of refuge from the terrors of the situation.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading A few other groups were scattered over the grass; while girls in white dresses and young men in flannels were playing tennis in the distance.