Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

third-person singular of “adore” — love intensely

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

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

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

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

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

plural of “campaign” — a race between candidates for elective office

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

possessive form of “catherine” — first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a period of 100 years

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

plural of “chateau” — an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

rid of obstructions

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

plural of “conquest” — the act of conquering

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

communication by the exchange of letters

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

negotiation between nations

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

coming next after the seventeenth in position

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a state of high honor

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

the younger of the two Grimm brothers remembered best for their fairy stories (1786-1859)

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

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

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

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

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

showing or characterized by broad-mindedness

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

superlative of “light” — of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

naughtily or annoyingly playful

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

and nothing more

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

of or associated with a province

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

have sovereign power

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading In reply, I can only confess that Catherine's diplomacy and her conquests do not interest me.

third-person singular of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

past form of “scandalize” — strike with disgust or revulsion

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

plural of “statesman” — a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

not in physical motion

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

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

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

foolish or senseless behavior

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

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

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

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

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

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

From this reading It is clear to me that neither she nor the statesmen with whom she played this mischievous kind of political chess had any notion of the real history of their own times, or of the real forces that were moulding Europe.

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

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

belonging to which person

From this reading "In Catherine's reign, whom Glory still adores" BYRON Exception has been taken to the title of this seeming tomfoolery on the ground that the Catherine it represents is not Great Catherine, but the Catherine whose gallantries provide some of the lightest pages of modern history.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Great Catherine, it is said, was the Catherine whose diplomacy, whose campaigns and conquests, whose plans of Liberal reform, whose correspondence with Grimm and Voltaire enabled her to cut such a magnificent figure in the eighteenth century.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The French Revolution, which made such short work of Catherine's Voltairean principles, surprised and scandalized her as much as it surprised and scandalized any provincial governess in the French chateaux.