Chapter XV

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

past form of “abate” — make less active or intense

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

highly skilled

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

for the reason that

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a town in northwestern Washington on a bay near the Canadian border

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

possessive form of “churchill” — English general considered one of the greatest generals in history (1650-1722)

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

intentionally conceived

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

divisible by two

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

the organ of sight

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

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

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

marked by casual disrespect

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

an old word for “no”

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

and nothing more

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

unpleasantly

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

go across or through

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

one of four equal parts

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

a tray (or large plate) for serving food or drinks; usually made of silver

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

plural of “saucer” — something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

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

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

pot for brewing tea; usually has a spout and handle

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

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

From this reading 'THEY SHALL PASS, AND THEIR PLACES BE TAKEN?'

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading 'Put it on the table, please,' said Madge, busy with the tea-service, and painfully conscious that the dowager's eye was upon her.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

English potter (1730-1795)

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

at the time that

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

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

From this reading The letter which told Miss Bellingham that her lover was master of Penwyn seemed to her almost like the end of a fairy tale.

which person or people

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lady Cheshunt had dropped in to afternoon tea only a quarter of an hour before the letter arrived, and Madge was busy with the old Battersea cups and saucers, and the quaint little Wedgwood teapot, when the accomplished serving man, who never abated one iota of his professional solemnity because his wages were doubtful, presented Churchill's letter on an antique salver.

produce a literary work

From this reading She had recognised Churchill's hand at a glance, and thought how daring, nay, even impudent it was of him to write to her.