adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
absencenounUS /ˈæbsəns/
the state of being absent
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
AccordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/
acquired as your own by free choice
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
appearingnounUS /əˈpɪrɪŋ/
formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
BaronessnounUS /ˈberənɪs/
a noblewoman who holds the rank of baron or who is the wife or widow of a baron
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
Bergenheim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
boisterousadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪstərəs/
noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
castlenounUS /ˈkæsəl/
a large and stately mansion
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
conductverbUS /ˈkɑːndəkt/
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
customnounUS /ˈkʌstəm/
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
deathnounUS /deθ/
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
dispensedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspenst/
distributed or weighted out in carefully determined portions
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
eyenounUS /aɪ/
the organ of sight
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
fastidiousadjectiveUS /fæˈstɪdiəs/
giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
featsnounUS /fiːts/
plural of “feat” — a notable achievement
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/
having or given a form or shape
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
gratitudenounUS /ˈɡrætətuːd/
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
GuestsnounUS /ɡests/
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
harenounUS /her/
swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs; young born furred and with open eyes
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
houndsnounUS /haʊndz/
plural of “hound” — any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
huntingnounUS /ˈhʌntɪŋ/
the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
ladiesnounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
lengthyadjectiveUS /ˈleŋθi/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
Madame's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
manifestedverbUS /ˈmænəfestəd/
past form of “manifest” — provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
Marillac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
ovalnounUS /ˈoʊvəl/
a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
participatedverbUS /pɑːrˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
past form of “participate” — share in something
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
partiesnounUS /ˈpɑːrtiz/
plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
presideverbUS /prɪˈzaɪd/
act as president
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
principalnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
regretsnounUS /rɪˈɡrets/
a polite refusal of an invitation
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
repastnoun
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
repasts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
rosyadjectiveUS /ˈroʊzi/
reflecting optimism
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
rusesnounUS /ˈruːzɪz/
plural of “rus” — the medieval Russian state established by Scandinavian traders in the 9th century; the capital was first in Novgorod and then in Kiev
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
seances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
seatedadjectiveUS /ˈsiːtɪd/
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
sparklingadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ/
shining with brilliant points of light like stars
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
spitenounUS /spaɪt/
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
stagverbUS /stæɡ/
attend a dance or a party without a female companion
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
suppersnounUS /ˈsʌpərz/
plural of “supper” — a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading According to custom, the ladies were not present at this repast.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Guests were seated that evening around the oval table in the dining-room of the castle of Bergenheim.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading It is probable that this conduct was duly appreciated by those who participated in those rather boisterous repasts, and that they felt a certain gratitude, in spite of the regrets they manifested on account of Madame's absence.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading Among the guests was Marillac, whose sparkling eye, and cheeks even more rosy than usual, made him conspicuous.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was a custom which had been adopted by the Baroness for the suppers which were given by her husband at the close of his hunting parties; she dispensed with appearing at table on those days; perhaps she was too fastidious to preside at these lengthy seances of which the ruses of the hare, the death of the stag, and the feats of the hounds, formed the principal topics of conversation.
