used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
abashedadjectiveUS /əˈbæʃt/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
acknowledgingverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “acknowledge” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
afflictionnounUS /əˈflɪkʃən/
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
(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 The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
Ashleigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
awenounUS /ɑː/
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
exhale hard
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
calamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
calumniator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
darling's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
effectuallyadverb
in an effectual manner
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
the state of being honored
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
indignitynounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnətiː/
an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
inevitablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbli/
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
the quality of innocent naivete
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
instinctsnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
layernounUS /ˈleɪər/
single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
Lilian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
Lilian's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
malignitynoun
wishing evil to others
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
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 By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
make reference to
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
mothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
overlaidverbUS /ˈoʊvərleɪd/
inflected form of “overlay” — put something on top of something else
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
passionsnounUS /ˈpæʃənz/
plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
by chance
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
remorsenounUS /rɪˈmɔːrs/
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
reproachnounUS /riˈproʊtʃ/
a mild rebuke or criticism
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
requestedadjectiveUS /rɪˈkwestɪd/
asked for
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
slandernounUS /ˈslændər/
words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
slinkverb
walk stealthily
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Before the awe of a great calamity the small passions of a mean malignity slink abashed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading The blow that had fallen on my hearth effectually, inevitably killed all the slander that might have troubled me in joy.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
not known
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
unpreparedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnpriˈperd/
without preparation; not prepared for
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
vileadjectiveUS /vaɪl/
morally reprehensible
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I had requested Mrs. Ashleigh not to mention the vile letter which Lilian had received.
worldlyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrldli/
characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world
From this reading By one of those instincts of justice that lie deep in human hearts, though in ordinary moments overlaid by many a worldly layer, all felt (all mothers felt especially) that innocence alone could have been so unprepared for reproach.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
wringverbUS /rɪŋ/
twist and press out of shape
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
but in spite of that
From this reading I would not give a triumph to the unknown calumniator, nor wring forth her vain remorse, by the pain of acknowledging an indignity to my darling's honour; yet, somehow or other, the true cause of Lilian's affliction had crept out,--perhaps through the talk of servants,--and the public shock was universal.
