Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

later than; following

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

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

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

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

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

plural of “canvas” — a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

changeable

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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 The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading _It was the hour of confidences and effusion.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall)

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

an unrestrained expression of emotion

From this reading _It was the hour of confidences and effusion.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

death of a person

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

plural of “hanging” — decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading _It was the hour of confidences and effusion.

possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

close or warm friendship

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _It was the hour of confidences and effusion.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

the act of departing

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

restricting the scope or freedom of action

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

hear with intention

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

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

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

an artist who paints

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

past form of “penetrate” — pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

an introduction to a play

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading Illustrated by De Bieler, Myrbach; And Rossi PROLOGUE.

only a very short time before

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

with low volume

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

workplace for the teaching or practice of an art

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

having something on top

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

not slowed or blocked or interfered with

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

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

From this reading _It was the hour of confidences and effusion.

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

From this reading _Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends--a poet and a painter--were talking together one evening after dinner_.

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

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The lamp burned softly beneath its shade, limiting its circle of light to the intimacy of the conversation, leaving scarcely distinct the capricious luxury of the vast walls, cumbered with canvases, hangings, panoplies, surmounted by a glass roof through which the sombre blue shades of the night penetrated unhindered.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The portrait of a woman, leaning slightly forward, as if to listen, alone stood out a little from the shadow; young with intelligent eyes, a grave and sweet mouth and a spirituel smile which seemed to defend the husband's easel from fools and disparagers.