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 In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

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

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

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

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

a privileged class holding hereditary titles

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

plural of “attribute” — a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

show off

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

plural of “chateau” — an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

plural of “distinction” — a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

move gently or carefully

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

one or the other of two

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

high status importance owing to marked superiority

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

set up or found

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

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

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

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

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

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

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

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

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

used to form the superlative

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

impressive in appearance

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

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

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

United States operatic soprano (born in 1945)

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

plural of “peer” — a person who is of equal standing with another in a group

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

by chance

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

inferior in rank or status

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

more desirable than another

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

an athlete who plays for pay

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his house is a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to every proprietor in his district.

comparative of “proud” — feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

of or associated with a province

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

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

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

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

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

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

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The magnificent chateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve to us in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our people more of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in other countries.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

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

From this reading QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant.*--SALLUST.

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

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

superlative of “wealthy” — having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.

which person or people

From this reading * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security."

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen in England--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than the eminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife.