Chapter III

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

higher than, or over, something

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

later than; following

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

(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 In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

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

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

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

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

a framework that supports climbing plants

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

plural of “ceiling” — the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

entailing great loss or sacrifice

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

-ing form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

divisible by two

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

every person

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

plural of “fern” — any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

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

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

plural of “furnishing” — (usually plural) accessory wearing apparel

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

a quick look

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

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

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

educate for a future role or function

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “harmony” — compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

immediately past

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

plural of “lily” — any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

become covered with mist

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

a sheltered and secluded place

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

the state of being retired from one's business or occupation

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

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

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

held in check with difficulty

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

in the near future

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

very large in expanse or scope

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

impressive in appearance

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

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

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

(music) calibrating something (an instrument or electronic circuit) to a standard frequency

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

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

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

plural of “vista” — the visual percept of a region

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

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

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.

in or at the place that

From this reading In the midst of all, a fairy bower of roses and tropical ferns created a nook of retirement where everyone might catch a glimpse of the bride and groom from any angle in any room.

a Caucasian

From this reading The great rooms had become a dream of paradise, with silver rain and white lilies in a mist of soft green depending from the high ceilings.

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

From this reading On the floor above, where room after room shone in beauty, with costly furnishings, and perfect harmonies, white-capped maids flitted about, putting last touches to dressing tables and pausing to gossip as they passed one another:

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The spacious vistas stretched away from an equally spacious hallway, where a wide and graceful staircase curved up to a low gallery, smothered in flowers and palms and vines; and even so early the musicians were taking their places and tuning their instruments.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MEANWHILE, in the stately mansion that Betty had called home, a small regiment of servants hastened with the last tasks in preparation for the guests that were soon expected to arrive.