Chapter XVII

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

on or to one side

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

covered with beads of liquid

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

a stick that people can lean on to help them walk

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

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

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

in a stingy manner

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

young bird especially of domestic fowl

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

the best people or things in a group

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

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

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

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

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

lacking solidity or strength

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

set up or found

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

plural of “glove” — the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

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

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

to a considerable degree

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

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

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

located inward

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

property that is leased or rented out or let

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

of a pale to moderate greyish violet color

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

in a negligent manner

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

above and across; more than

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

go across or through

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

sufficiently fat so as to have a pleasing fullness of figure

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

on the contrary

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

make short successive sounds

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

plural of “ribbon” — any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

uneven by virtue of having wrinkles or waves

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

third-person singular of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

-ing form of “simulate” — reproduce someone's behavior or looks

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

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

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

relating to or concerned with strategy

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

having the color of dry straw

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

a light clear metallic sound as of a small bell

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

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

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

create by training and teaching

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

in physical discomfort

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

causing an emotional disturbance

From this reading He found the first sight of Mrs. Gwynnie in her flimsy satin, cream lace, and rather tired turquoise-blue ribbons, upsetting.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

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

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

clean by virtue of having been washed in water

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.

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

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

during the time that

From this reading A STRATEGIC MOVEMENT WHICH SECURES VICTORY WHILE SIMULATING RETREAT Mrs. Spencer, the train of her mauve, cotton-back satin tea-gown thrown negligently over her arm, held aside the strings of the beaded chick, letting her guest pass into the inner hall.

which person or people

From this reading The familiar sound gave Challoner, who, heavily deliberate, deposited gloves and hat on the hall table, a catch in his throat.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As she moved across to the open door of the much be-frilled and be-palmed little drawing-room, they rippled back into place behind her with a rattle of cane and tinkle of glass.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She was a straw-colored, insignificant-featured, fairly tall, fairly plump, fairly graceful, uncomfortably small-waisted woman; looking, at a distance, five-and-twenty, at close quarters, nearer five-and-thirty, cheaply pretty and effective, though slightly washed out.