Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading “Wait a little.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

plural of “anxiety” — (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

being one more than ten

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

the kinship relation between an offspring and the father

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

(Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

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

From this reading “Wait a little.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

place in proper rank

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

according to the clock

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

having a point

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

cause to go somewhere

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

past form of “tune” — adjust for (better) functioning

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

unaccustomed or unusual

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading “Wait a little.

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

at the time that

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

but in spite of that

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.