used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
accusationnounUS /ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən/
a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
adulterynounUS /əˈdʌltəri/
extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations
From this reading The crime of adultery, and with a Christian minister!'
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am innocent--indeed, indeed I am.'
amativeadjective
inclined toward or displaying love
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
assertionsnounUS /əˈsɜːrʃənz/
plural of “assertion” — a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading The crime of adultery, and with a Christian minister!'
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
CompromiseverbUS /ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz/
make a compromise; arrive at a compromise
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
Courtezan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading The crime of adultery, and with a Christian minister!'
a female human offspring
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
explanatoryadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsplænətɔːri/
serving or intended to explain or make clear
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
guiltlessadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪltlɪs/
free from evil or guilt
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
hussynounUS /ˈhʌsi/
a woman adulterer
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I am innocent--indeed, indeed I am.'
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading I am innocent--indeed, indeed I am.'
free from evil or guilt
From this reading I am innocent--indeed, indeed I am.'
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
kinderadjectiveUS /ˈkaɪndər/
comparative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
a woman of refinement
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading The crime of adultery, and with a Christian minister!'
miscellaneousadjectiveUS /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
past form of “rejoin” — join again
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
sobbingnounUS /ˈsɑːbɪŋ/
convulsive gasp made while weeping
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The crime of adultery, and with a Christian minister!'
but in spite of that
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _Domestic Troubles--A Scene, and a Compromise--an Escape--various matters amative, explanatory and miscellaneous, in the Tale of the Courtezan._ 'Well, madam,' said my father, in a cold, severe tone--'this is truly a strange and serious accusation which our daughter has brought against you.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading 'Surely,' rejoined my mother, sobbing--'you will not believe the assertions of that young hussy.
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading 'I am inclined to believe that you _are_ innocent, and yet I never shall rest perfectly satisfied until you _prove_ yourself guiltless in this matter,' rejoined my father, speaking in a kinder tone.
