used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
consider or hold as true
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
a line of approach
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
cordialitynoun
a cordial disposition
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
female equivalent of a count or earl
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
diffidentadjective
showing modest reserve
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
having the place or position changed
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
dubbedverbUS /dʌbd/
inflected form of “dub” — give a nickname to
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
equanimitynounUS /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.t̬i/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
evening-gown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
excusedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzd/
granted exemption
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
footmannounUS /ˈfʊtmən/
a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
lentnounUS /lent/
a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
Lowther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
Mamie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
neck-chain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
nervouslyadverbUS /ˈnɜːrvəsli/
in an anxiously nervous manner
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
pearlsnounUS /pɜːrlz/
plural of “pearl” — a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
Ravenscroft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
regainedverbUS /riˈɡeɪnd/
past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Countess received her with cordiality; but seemed curiously diffident.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
she-dragon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
in the near future
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
possessing sweep
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
trifled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
uneasinessnounUS /ˌʌˈniːzinəs/
feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
unkindlyadjective
lacking in sympathy and kindness
From this reading The “she-dragon,” as Mamie unkindly dubbed Mrs. Lowther, did not care to accept the invitation to Ravenscroft Hall, and asked to be excused; so Patricia dressed herself in a simple evening-gown and drove off alone.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Arrived at the house, however, she soon regained her self-possession, and followed the footman up the stone staircase with her usual equanimity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She glanced at the door every now and then with marked uneasiness; her mind was evidently—on some account—disturbed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Excitement had lent a touch of colour to her cheeks, and as the carriage swept up the avenue she trifled nervously with her long neck-chain of pearls.
