used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
how long something has existed
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
eagerly desirous
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
attendantnounUS /əˈtendənt/
someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
deemedverbUS /diːmd/
past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
a social unit living together
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
set up or found
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
guardiannounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiən/
a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
inexperiencedadjectiveUS /ɪnɪkˈspɪriənst/
lacking practical experience or training
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
a message received and understood
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
insupportableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsəˈpɔːrtəbəl/
incapable of being justified or explained
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
involveverbUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlv/
connect closely and often incriminatingly
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
liableadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪəbəl/
at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
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 Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
come together
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
not one, and not any
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
novicenounUS /ˈnɑːvəs/
someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
many times at short intervals
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
perplexitynounUS /pərˈpleksəti/
trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
exert pressure or force to or upon
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
responsibilitiesnounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
responsibleadjectiveUS /riˈspɑːnsəbəl/
worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
sicknessnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
up to a particular time
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
the act of testing something
From this reading To a woman of age and experience, these duties often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young and inexperienced!
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it, or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet such responsibilities.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
in or at the place that
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
which person or people
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.