used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
apprehensiveadjectiveUS /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/
quick to understand
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
dearly loved
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
chasteningnoun
a rebuke for making a mistake
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
checkedadjectiveUS /tʃekt/
patterned with alternating squares of color
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
correspondingadjectiveUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndɪŋ/
accompanying
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
crabnounUS /kræb/
decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
From this reading "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "_Dressed crab_.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
dinner-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "_Dressed crab_.
ear-marked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
exclusiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/
not divided or shared with others
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
excusedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzd/
granted exemption
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
gracedverbUS /ɡreɪst/
past form of “grace” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
GrantingverbUS /ˈɡræntɪŋ/
-ing form of “grant” — let have
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
hansomnounUS /ˈhænsəm/
a two-wheeled horse-drawn covered carriage with the driver's seat above and behind the passengers
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
HEROINEnounUS /ˈheroʊən/
the main good female character in a work of fiction
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
hieroglyphicsnounUS /ˌhaɪroʊˈɡlɪfɪks/
plural of “hieroglyphic” — writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
Hughie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
inquiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
given to inquiry
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
INTRODUCESverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːsɪz/
third-person singular of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
knittedadjectiveUS /ˈnɪtəd/
made by intertwining threads in a series of connected loops rather than by weaving
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
Let's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "_Dressed crab_.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
luncheon-party
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
malenounUS /meɪl/
an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
Marrable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
morbidlyadverbUS /ˈmɔːrbədli/
in a morbid manner or to a morbid degree
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
used to form the superlative
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "_Dressed crab_.
NARRATIVEnounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
absolutely essential
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
an amount of time
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
prerogativenounUS /prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/
a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
proposing-point
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
one of four equal parts
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
screwingnounUS /ˈskruːɪŋ/
slang for sexual intercourse
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "_Dressed crab_.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
undergraduatenounUS /ˌʌndərˈɡrædʒəwət/
a university student who has not yet received a first degree
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
unpleasantnessnounUS /ənˈplezəntnəs/
the feeling caused by disagreeable stimuli; one pole of a continuum of states of feeling
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
at the time that
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There is no more morbidly apprehensive creature under the sun than the undergraduate about to give a state luncheon-party which is to be graced by the presence of his beloved.
which person or people
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Granting the unpleasantness of both these chastening but necessary experiences, a mere male may be excused for inquiring why the second should be ear-marked as the exclusive prerogative of the opposite sex.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Hughie Marrable sat back in his hansom with knitted brow, and checked some hieroglyphics on the back of an envelope.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading INTRODUCES THE HEROINE OF THIS NARRATIVE It has been said by those who ought to know that, if the most painful quarter of an hour in a man's life comes when he is screwing himself up to proposing-point, the corresponding period in a woman's is that immediately preceding her first dinner-party in her own house.
