used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SUPPER AT SIR JOSHUA'S.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
actressnounUS /ˈæktrəs/
a female actor
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
(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 Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
aplombnounUS /əˈplɑːm/
great coolness and composure under strain
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A SUPPER AT SIR JOSHUA'S.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
cajoledverbUS /kəˈdʒoʊld/
past form of “cajole” — influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
an occurrence of something
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
clamorousadjective
conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
emulouslyadverb
in a competitively imitative manner
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
divisible by two
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
flatteringadjectiveUS /ˈflætərɪŋ/
showing or representing to advantage
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
footmannounUS /ˈfʊtmən/
a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
forthwithadverbUS /ˈfɔːrˈθwɪθ/
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
fortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
set up or found
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
hand-pressures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
JOSHUA'SnounUS /ˈdʒɑːʃuːəz/
possessive form of “joshua” — (Old Testament) Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land; best remembered for his destruction of Jericho
From this reading A SUPPER AT SIR JOSHUA'S.
and nothing more
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
the force of workers available
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
on one occasion
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
palaververb
speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
respondingverbUS /rɪˈspɑːndɪŋ/
-ing form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
Reynolds'snounUS /ˈrenəldzɪz/
possessive form of “reynolds” — English portrait painter and first president of the Royal Academy (1723-1792)
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
term of address for a man
From this reading A SUPPER AT SIR JOSHUA'S.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading Despite her _aplomb_, spoiled child that she was, she was becoming quite embarrassed in responding to all the hand-pressures, the smiling eyes, the gracious questions, when, fortunately for her, a footman announced supper; and forthwith the company passed into the dining-room.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading A SUPPER AT SIR JOSHUA'S.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
triumphsnounUS /ˈtraɪəmfs/
plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
viedverbUS /vaɪd/
past form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was just five o'clock, and, being well aware of the rules of the house, Sir Joshua's guests were all present, even in greater number than was expected, as was frequently the case.
at the time that
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
which person or people
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She found herself in the arms of three women at once, who emulously cajoled her, while the men vied with them in paying flattering court.
Woodville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The company assembled in the Reynolds's drawing-room when the artist entered, leading Miss Woodville by the hand, made such a palaver over the young actress that it was quite enough to turn her head, had she not already become accustomed to clamorous triumphs.
