Chapter XI

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

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

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. and Miss Aylmer calling at half-past eleven in the morning!

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Mrs. and Miss Aylmer calling at half-past eleven in the morning!

the act of grasping

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

being one more than ten

From this reading Mrs. and Miss Aylmer calling at half-past eleven in the morning!

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

an opening that permits escape or release

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

comparative of “firm” — marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

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

From this reading Mrs. and Miss Aylmer calling at half-past eleven in the morning!

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

a message received and understood

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

an act that disregards an agreement or a right

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Mrs. and Miss Aylmer calling at half-past eleven in the morning!

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

information about recent and important events

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

on one occasion

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

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

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

indicate, as with a sign or an omen

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

asked for

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

a room in a school where lessons take place

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

and nothing more

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

a descent as through liquid (especially through water)

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

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

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

a vivid mental image

From this reading With a sinking heart the vision of pig-tailed Meg making her abrupt exit from the Dower House schoolroom upon an obviously vamped-up errand presented itself once more to her inward sight.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

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

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What could the infringement of what had been already impressed upon her as an iron law of Mrs. Tancred’s life portend?

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

From this reading This ambiguous piece of news was enough to drive Jutes and Angles from a mind on which they had a firmer clutch than could be said of Miss Ransome’s.

which person or people

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

belonging to which person

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Thus it was not the task-mistress, but a mere footman, whose approaching tread struck compunctious fear into the breast of the pseudo-student in the east gallery--a footman who simply requested her presence in the morning-room, coupling with his message the information that Mrs. and Miss Aylmer were there.