used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
announcesverbUS /əˈnaʊnsɪz/
third-person singular of “announce” — make known; make an announcement
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
ardentadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdənt/
characterized by intense emotion
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
bayaderes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
behalfnounUS /bɪˈhæf/
as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
brazenadjectiveUS /ˈbreɪzən/
unrestrained by convention or propriety
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
put or send forth
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
ciceronenounUS /ˈsɪsəroʊn/
a guide who conducts and informs sightseers
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
conscientiousadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnʃiˈenʃəs/
characterized by extreme care and great effort
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
consistsverbUS /kənˈsɪsts/
third-person singular of “consist” — originate
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
contortionsnounUS /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/
plural of “contortion” — the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
contributornounUS /kənˈtrɪbjətər/
someone who contributes (or promises to contribute) a sum of money
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
cymbalsnounUS /ˈsɪmbəlz/
plural of “cymbal” — a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/
plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
dearly loved
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
to come or go into
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/
a native or inhabitant of Europe
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
facilitynounUS /fəˈsɪlɪti/
a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
a boy or man
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
fundamentaladjectiveUS /ˌfʌndəˈmentəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
fête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
hastensverbUS /ˈheɪsənz/
third-person singular of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
imposed-upon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
introduceverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːs/
cause to come to know personally
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
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 As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
engage in
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
used to form the superlative
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
obscuritynounUS /əbsˈkjʊrəti/
the quality of being unclear or abstruse and hard to understand
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
OrientaladjectiveUS /ˌɔːriˈentəl/
denoting or characteristic of countries of the Far East
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
passablyadverbUS /ˈpæsəbli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
patronnounUS /ˈpeɪtrən/
a regular customer
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
prefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
prevailverbUS /prɪˈveɪl/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
priestesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
proprietornounUS /prəˈpraɪətər/
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
providingverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
raise the level or amount of something
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
removeverbUS /riˈmuːv/
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
only a very short time before
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
shroudedverbUS /ˈʃraʊdɪd/
past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
so-calledadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊˈkɔːld/
doubtful or suspect
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
spuriousadjectiveUS /sˈpjʊriəs/
ostensibly valid, but not actually valid
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
plural of “tale” — 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 "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
tambourinenounUS /ˌtæmbərˈiːn/
a shallow drum with a single drumhead and with metallic disks in the sides
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
tolerablyadverb
in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading "In Europe the most ridiculous ideas prevail about these priestesses of the dance, obtained chiefly from the tales of conscientious, but easily imposed-upon travellers.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
unsophisticatedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/
not wise in the ways of the world
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
well-madeadjective
skillfully constructed
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
which person or people
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
belonging to which person
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire
From this reading As a matter of fact, they have scarcely set foot in India before they make known to the inhabitants their wishes to see the famous dancing girls who have for so long excited their curiosity.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "To the sound of a kind of tambourine and brazen cymbals, these ladies step forward, raise their arms in the air, indulge without any preface in a variety of those contortions of trunk and shoulders which are the fundamental principle of all Oriental dances, and cast on their patron glances which, they do their best to make appear ardent.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A so-called cicerone, whose sole occupation really consists in providing a supply of the spurious article, hastens to introduce to the notice of the unsophisticated European a few women passably pretty, and tolerably well-made, who give themselves out to be bayaderes with the same facility as with us a man announces himself as a landed proprietor or a contributor to the newspapers.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "In order that you may thoroughly enter into the spirit of our little _fête_, my dear fellow, I must, in your behalf, remove some of the obscurity in which the bayaderes are shrouded.
