Chapter I

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

From this reading A MARSHAL NEIL ROSE.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

later than; following

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

in the past

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

any person at all

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

the lower side of anything

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

confined by bonds

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

(astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a young woman making her debut into society

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

every person

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

apart from; not including

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

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 years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

in a figurative sense

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a holiday taken by a newly married couple

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

plural of “intrigue” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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 She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

immediately past

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

joined in matrimony

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

place in proper rank

From this reading A MARSHAL NEIL ROSE.

mediation in order to bring about a marriage between others

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

of or relating to the state of marriage

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a resort town in east central Florida

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

and nothing more

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

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

From this reading A MARSHAL NEIL ROSE.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

not any; not one

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

an amount of time

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

(Old Testament) the second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading A MARSHAL NEIL ROSE.

express in words

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

plural of “sceptic” — someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a person who follows next in order

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

maintained at length without interruption or weakening

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

not known

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

not seen or perceived

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

not suspected or believed likely

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

up to a particular time

From this reading That this pretty creature had been unseen and unsuspected until the last Miss Hardy, as Mrs. Buxton, was fairly away on her honeymoon, and almost immediately after had been introduced to society as Mrs. Buxton's successor, was a kind of circumstance that seemed, of course, bound to have a mystery at the bottom of it.

to a remarkable degree or extent

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

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

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

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

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

in or at the place that

From this reading She had risen upon the social horizon suddenly, like a new star--or, one might almost say, like a comet, so unusually bright was she, and so much talked about; and no one quite knew where she had come from.

which person or people

From this reading Mrs. Hardy had introduced her as her niece--everyone knew that--but there were sceptics who, having never heard of female relatives previously (except the three daughters, who had married so well), declared that she might be "anybody," picked up merely for matchmaking purposes--it being well understood that Mrs. Hardy had for an unknown period sustained life, figuratively speaking, upon the stimulus of matrimonial intrigues, and had now no more daughters to provide for.

belonging to which person

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

a late time of life

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.

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

From this reading A few years ago there was a young _debutante_ in Melbourne whose name was Rachel Fetherstonhaugh.