Chapter XXVI

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

later than; following

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

(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 Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

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

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

people who are frustrated and perplexed

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

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

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

communication by the exchange of letters

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading What would Markham do?

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

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

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a specially long, formal letter

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

by good fortune

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

plural of “france” — a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

inflected form of “hop” — jump lightly

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

ten 10s

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

of great significance or value

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

the literary culture

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

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

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

above and across; more than

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

filled or impregnated with perfume

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

religious residence in a monastery governed by a prior or a convent governed by a prioress

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

open to doubt or debate

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

capable of being recognized

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

only a very short time before

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

past form of “screw” — have sexual intercourse with

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

(used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

make square

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

not in physical motion

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

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

From this reading Nothing happened of any importance before their return to Eaton Square.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

large in volume or bulk

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

in a hearty manner

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Before a week was over, all Society was aware of the fact that Ralph Winterbourn had been nearly dying at Markham Priory; that Lady Markham was in “a state” which baffled description, and Markham himself so changed as to be scarcely recognisable; but that, fortunately, the crisis had been tided over, and everything was still problematical.

past form of “welcome” — accept gladly

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What would Markham do?

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

belonging to which person

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

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

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Markham, hopping about with a queer sidelong motion he had, his little eyes screwed up with humorous meaning, seemed to Frances to recover his spirits after the Winterbourn episode was over, which was the subject--though that, of course, she did not know--of half the voluminous correspondence of all the ladies and gentlemen in the house, whose letters were so important a part of their existence.

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading But the problem was so interesting, that one perfumed epistle after another carried it to curious wits all over the country, and a new light upon the subject was warmly welcomed in a hundred Easter meetings.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading What would Markham do?