Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

serving or used in place of another

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

expected hopefully

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

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

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

a flock of coots

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

a misleading falsehood

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

the act of discovering something

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

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

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

the act of releasing from a snarled or tangled condition

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

an irritable petulant feeling

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

and nothing more

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

-ing form of “justify” — show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

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

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

plural of “maze” — complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading MEETING.

past form of “menace” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

plural of “mesh” — the number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

a particular point in time

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

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

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

easily agitated

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

not any; not one

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

-ing form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

plural of “scheme” — an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

free from ambiguity

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

in a confused mass

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

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

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

torment emotionally or mentally

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

(Middle Ages) the nephew of the king of Cornwall who (according to legend) fell in love with his uncle's bride (Iseult) after they mistakenly drank a love potion that left them eternally in love with each other

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

in a vertical position; not sloping

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

the act of using

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

precisely as stated

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading From the moment Maurice arrived in Washington,--an event the count had not anticipated,--his covert use of the authority entrusted to him was menaced with discovery.

an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

having been taken in marriage

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

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

From this reading The fear of exposure threw him into a state of nervous irritability which allowed no rest, and he was compelled to pay the price of deception by plunging deeper into her labyrinths, though every step rendered extrication from the briery mazes more difficult.

marked by skill in deception

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.

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

From this reading To a frank, straightforward character, the very natural alternative would have suggested itself of explaining, and, as far possible, justifying the step just taken; but to a mind so full of guile, so wedded to wily schemes as the count's, a simple, upright course would never have occurred.

made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole

From this reading The tangled web Count Tristan had woven for others began to fold its meshes around himself, and to torture him with the dread that he might be caught in his own snare.