used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
BYRONnounUS /ˈbaɪrən/
English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
Chetwoode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
childhoodnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
Cyril's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
Embitters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
foldsnounUS /foʊldz/
plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
fondlyadverbUS /ˈfɑːndli/
with fondness; with love
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
hearsverbUS /hiːrz/
third-person singular of “hear” — perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
inquiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
given to inquiry
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
Lilian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
held dear
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
easily agitated
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
opensnounUS /ˈoʊpənz/
plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
palpableadjectiveUS /ˈpælpəbəl/
capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
preparesverbUS /priˈperz/
third-person singular of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
on the contrary
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
smoothes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
straightensverbUS /ˈstreɪtənz/
third-person singular of “straighten” — straighten up or out; make straight
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The door opens; there is a slight pause; and then Lilian, slight, and fair, and pretty, stands upon the threshold.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
at the time that
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
in or at the place that
From this reading She hears Cyril's voice in the hall inquiring where his mother is, and, rising to her feet, she makes ready to receive her new ward.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She has put on what she fondly hopes is a particularly gracious air, but which is in reality a palpable mixture of fear and uncertainty.
which person or people
From this reading When Lady Chetwoode, who is sitting in the drawing-room, hears the carriage draw up to the door, she straightens herself in her chair, smoothes down the folds of her black velvet gown with rather nervous fingers, and prepares for an unpleasant surprise.
belonging to which person
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading "Ye scenes of my childhood, whose loved recollection Embitters the present, compared with the past."--BYRON.
