Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a formal public statement

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

surprising greatly

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a man who has never been married

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

only a very short time before

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

being or relating to or like a chimera

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

gotten under control

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

command with authority

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

past form of “ensconce” — fix firmly

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

promote over another

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

set up or found

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

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

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

an event that happens

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

unbiased impartial unconcern

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

hereditary succession to a title or an office or property

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

communication between individuals

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

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

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

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

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a city in northeastern France in Lorraine

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

information about recent and important events

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

on one occasion

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

and nothing more

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

above and across; more than

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

having an owner; often used in combination

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

a human being

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

past form of “ponder” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

certainty based on past experience

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

marked by or given to doubt

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

express in speech

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

not in physical motion

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

without preparation; not prepared for

From this reading The announcement of his inheritance, dropping from the skies, as it were, had found him quite unprepared, and, at first, somewhat sceptical.

lacking pretension or affectation

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

precisely as stated

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

plural of “villager” — one who has lived in a village most of their life

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

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

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

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

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

during the time that

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

which person or people

From this reading He remembered, it is true, hearing his father once speak of a cousin who had remained a bachelor and who owned a fine piece of property in some corner of the Haute Marne; but, as all intercourse had long been broken off between the two families, M. de Buxieres the elder had mentioned the subject only in relation to barely possible hopes which had very little chance of being realized.

belonging to which person

From this reading While these events were happening at Vivey, the person whose name excited the curiosity and the conversational powers of the villagers--Marie-Julien de Buxieres--ensconced in his unpretentious apartment in the Rue Stanislaus, Nancy, still pondered over the astonishing news contained in the Auberive notary's first letter.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Julien had never placed any reliance on this chimerical inheritance, and he received almost with indifference the official announcement of the death of Claude Odouart de Buxieres.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading By direct line from his late father, he became in fact the only legitimate heir of the chateau and lands of Vivey; still, there was a strong probability that Claude de Buxieres had made a will in favor of some one more within his own circle.