Chapter V

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

periodically accumulated over time

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

-ing form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

(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 Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

at or in or to any place

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

plural of “beau” — a man who is the lover of a man or woman

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading BETSEY EX FÊTE.

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

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

assign a name or title to

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

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

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband

From this reading BETSEY EX FÊTE.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading BETSEY EX FÊTE.

a gay feeling

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the act of departing

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

ten 10s

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

a river in Palestine that empties into the Dead Sea; John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

possessive form of “jordan” — a river in Palestine that empties into the Dead Sea; John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

engage in

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

come together

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

a city in southern Quebec province on the Saint Lawrence River; the largest city in Quebec and 2nd largest in Canada; the 2nd largest French-speaking city in the world

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

characterized by or capable of producing music

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

by chance

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

the possibility of future success

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

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

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading In spite of her pretence to make little of an invitation to a juvenile party, the prospect of that gaiety took strong possession of Betsey Bunce.

precisely as stated

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

(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 Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Selby's lameness had prevented his taking her anywhere or affording her opportunity to spread her plumage among strangers; which, indeed, was all the satisfaction which could have accrued from going out with him, she not being musical, and he very little else.

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

From this reading Betsey's dissipations, therefore, had been of so meagre a kind that she might well set store by Mrs. Jordan's invitation; it would at least, she told herself, be an opportunity to show people that she was fit for better things.

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

From this reading Her cousin Muriel had told her she might expect to meet a hundred guests or more, and surely they would not all be children, though poor Muriel was too young perhaps to know; but, at least, both her Montreal _beaux_, as she choose to denominate Randolph Jordan and Gerald Herkimer, would be there.