Chapter III

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

in the past

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

any customary and rightful perquisite appropriate to your station in life

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

in an appealing manner

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

on or to one side

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a mock scepter carried by a court jester

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

indistinct or hazy in outline

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

fearless and daring

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

put or send forth

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

French philosopher remembered as the founder of positivism; he also established sociology as a systematic field of study

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

unvarying in nature

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a person who carries a message

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

physically or spiritually devastating; often used in combination

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

having a sunken area

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

characterized by or advocating or based upon the principles of democracy or social equality

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

command with authority

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

plural of “duke” — a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

in an effectual manner

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a social unit living together

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

a piece of land held under the feudal system

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

having lost your job

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

yet to be or coming

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a long fixed look

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

plural of “hermit” — one retired from society for religious reasons

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a holding device

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

plural of “ideal” — the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

in an inquiring manner

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

plural of “kitchen” — a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

immediately past

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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 Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

the force of workers available

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

out of fashion

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

on one occasion

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

plural of “pillow” — a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

-ing form of “pore” — direct one's attention on something

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a small piece of cloth or paper

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

capable of arousing enthusiasm or excitement

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

the act of shielding from harm

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

possessing sweep

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

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

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Bertrand de Maurel, the last holder of the title, fired by democratic ideals, had cast aside what he termed an empty bauble, long before the wave of social equality had swept over the land.

at the time that

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.

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

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

which person or people

From this reading Gaston de Maurel sat in a huge arm-chair, his head leaning against a number of pillows which had been piled up behind his back; his eyes--the deep-set eyes of the Maurels--were fixed inquiringly, almost appealingly, upon the bowed head of his nephew, who, with elbows resting upon the table, was effectually shielding his face from the searching gaze of the invalid.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The letter by now was little more than a rag, stained with finger marks, with corners torn off and contents blurred by constant crushing of the paper in hot, impatient hands.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading THE HERMITS OF LA VIEUVILLE I At the self-same hour, whilst Denise de Mortain and her brother, the Comte de Courson, were discussing their future plans for rousing the country-side once more into open revolt, Gaston de Maurel and his nephew Ronnay were poring over a letter which was written in a bold and firm hand, and which a village courier had brought over from Courson an hour ago.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading The room in which the two men sat was one of the kitchens of the small old-fashioned Chateau of La Vieuville--the appanage of the younger sons of the house--granted to them in perpetual fief by the head of the family in the days when the de Maurels were Dukes of Montauban and held their lands direct from the King.