adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
annualadjectiveUS /ˈænjuːəl/
completing its life cycle within a year
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
aspirationsnounUS /ˌæspərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “aspiration” — a will to succeed
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
Blyth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
bricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
brilliantadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪljənt/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
chaney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
cleanlinessnounUS /ˈklenlinɪs/
the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
creamnounUS /kriːm/
the best people or things in a group
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
culinaryadjectiveUS /ˈkjuːlɪneri/
of or relating to or used in cooking
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
DiplomanounUS /dɪˈploʊmɑː/
a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
doctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
a competitor thought likely to win
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
FESTIVITYnounUS /feˈstɪvəti/
any joyous diversion
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
GirlsnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
Grottyadjective
very unpleasant or offensive
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/
only a very short time before
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
imaginableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənəbəl/
capable of being imagined
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
injunctionnounUS /ˌɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
a formal command or admonition
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
jellynounUS /ˈdʒeli/
an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
kitchennounUS /ˈkɪtʃən/
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
LadiesnounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
meddleverbUS /ˈmedəl/
intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
meetverbUS /miːt/
come together
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
meetingnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
MissverbUS /mɪs/
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
occasionallyadverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənəli/
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
parlours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
pastimenounUS /ˈpæstaɪm/
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
PhoebenounUS /ˈfiːbi/
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
polishingnounUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃɪŋ/
the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
ruledadjectiveUS /ruːld/
subject to a ruling authority
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
seasonnounUS /ˈsiːzən/
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
shiningadjectiveUS /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
sistersnounUS /ˈsɪstərz/
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
SocietynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
sufferancenoun
patient endurance especially of pain or distress
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
supremeadjectiveUS /səˈpriːm/
final or last in your life or progress
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
TemplenounUS /ˈtempəl/
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
triflenounUS /ˈtraɪfəl/
a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
VestanounUS /ˈvestə/
(Roman mythology) goddess of the hearth and its fire whose flame was tended by vestal virgins; counterpart of Greek Hestia
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
weeksnounUS /wiːks/
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading It was the peaceful pastime of two weeks, for Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta, to prepare for the annual festivity, by polishing the already shining house to a hardly imaginable point of brilliant cleanliness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Miss Phoebe was occasionally permitted to trifle with a jelly or a cream, but even this was upon sufferance; while if Miss Vesta ever had any culinary aspirations, they were put down with a high hand, and an injunction not to meddle with them things, but see to her parlours and her chaney.
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The sisters always entertained the society once a year, and it was apt to be the favourite meeting of the season.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading In the kitchen of the Temple, Diploma Grotty ruled supreme, as she had ruled for twenty years.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading FESTIVITY The Ladies' Society was to meet at the Temple of Vesta; or, rather (since that name for the brick house was known only to the old and the young doctor), at the Blyth Girls'.
