used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
assistantnounUS /əˈsɪstənt/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
basementnounUS /ˈbeɪsmənt/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
bathnounUS /bæθ/
a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
Bobinet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
BOBINET'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
a person who is in charge
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
child'snounUS /tʃaɪldz/
possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
deafnessnounUS /ˈdefnəs/
partial or complete loss of hearing
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
being one more than seven
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
factorynounUS /ˈfæktəri/
a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/
becoming greater or larger
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
infuriatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfjʊrieɪtɪd/
marked by extreme anger
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
initiatedverbUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃieɪtəd/
past form of “initiate” — bring into being
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
NancenounUS /næns/
offensive term for a homosexual man
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
Nance's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
officiateverbUS /əˈfɪʃieɪt/
act in an official capacity in a ceremony or religious ritual, such as a wedding
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
participate in games or sport
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
priestessnounUS /ˈpriːstəs/
a woman priest
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
procedurenounUS /prəˈsiːdʒər/
a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
scathingadjectiveUS /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/
marked by harshly abusive criticism
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
shrieknounUS /ʃriːk/
sharp piercing cry
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
significancenounUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
the quality of being significant
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
Susan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
sweat-shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
temperaturenounUS /ˈtemprətʃər/
the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
toiletnounUS /ˈtɔɪlət/
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
underclothingnoun
undergarment worn next to the skin and under the outer garments
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
undertonenounUS /ˈʌndərtoʊn/
a quiet or hushed tone of voice
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She arrived at eight o'clock, helped Susan in the basement kitchen, until Miss Bobinet awoke, then went aloft to officiate at the elaborate process of that lady's toilet.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The temperature of the bath, the choice of underclothing, the method of procedure were matters of the utmost significance, and the slightest mistake on the part of the assistant brought about a scene.
in the company of; together with
From this reading MISS BOBINET'S Nance's new duties, compared with those at the bottle factory, and the sweat-shop seemed, at first, mere child's play.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Miss Bobinet would shriek at Susan, and Susan would shriek back; then both would indulge in scathing criticism of the other in an undertone to Nance.
a late time of life
From this reading For twenty years Susan had been chief priestess at this ceremony, but her increasing deafness infuriated her mistress to such an extent that Nance was initiated into the mysteries.
