used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
aboundedverbUS /əˈbaʊndɪd/
past form of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
adornmentnounUS /əˈdɔːrnmənt/
a decoration of color or interest that is added to relieve plainness
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
BaldwinnounUS /ˈbɔːldwən/
United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
ball-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
bedroomsnounUS /ˈbedruːmz/
plural of “bedroom” — a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
the two together, not just one
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
Carteret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
DEANE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HEIRESS OF THE DEANE.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
dressing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
Eleanor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
Gertrude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
Haldanenoun
Scottish geneticist (son of John Haldane) who contributed to the development of population genetics; a popularizer of science and a Marxist (1892-1964)
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
handsomelyadverbUS /ˈhænsəmli/
in an attractively handsome manner
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
HEIRESSnounUS /ˈerəs/
a female heir
From this reading THE HEIRESS OF THE DEANE.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
jointnounUS /dʒɔɪnt/
(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
looking-glasses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
mirrorsnounUS /ˈmɪrərz/
plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
movableadjectiveUS /ˈmuːvəbəl/
(of personal property as opposed to real estate) can be moved from place to place (especially carried by hand)
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
niecesnounUS /ˈniːsɪz/
plural of “niece” — a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
held or filled or in use
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HEIRESS OF THE DEANE.
paraphernalianounUS /ˌperəfəˈneɪljə/
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
profusionnounUS /prəˈfjuːʒən/
the property of being extremely abundant
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
proportionedverbUS /prəˈpɔːrʃənd/
past form of “proportion” — give pleasant proportions to
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
respectiveadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪv/
considered individually
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
strewnverbUS /struːn/
inflected form of “strew” — spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
sumptuousadjectiveUS /ˈsʌmptʃwəs/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
supplementaryadjectiveUS /ˌsʌpləˈmentəri/
functioning in a supporting capacity
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
territorynounUS /ˈterɪtɔːri/
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HEIRESS OF THE DEANE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
toilettenoun
the act of dressing and preparing yourself
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
precisely as stated
From this reading This apartment was very handsomely proportioned, and furnished in a sumptuous style.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their ball-room toilette was almost complete, and the smaller supplementary articles of their paraphernalia of adornment were strewn about the room in pretty profusion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Are you nearly ready, girls?" asked Mrs. Haldane Carteret of her nieces, as she entered the large dressing-room which divided the bedrooms occupied by Gertrude and Eleanor Baldwin, and was joint territory, common to them both.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading It abounded in light and looking-glasses, and the two young girls then under the hands of their respective maids had the advantage of seeing themselves reflected many times in mirrors fixed and mirrors movable.
