Chapter III

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

out of bed

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

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

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

wanted intensely

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

command with authority

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

having the place or position changed

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

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

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

set up or found

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

an outlying farm

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

a social unit living together

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

a message received and understood

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

on one occasion

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

express in words

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

only a very short time before

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

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

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

an untroubled state; free from disturbances

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

carried out without aid or assistance

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The following morning found Evaline de Neville, according to her usual custom, astir at an early hour.

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

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She longed for the arrival of her waiting-woman, in order that she might draw from her, before she left her chamber, what it was that had so disturbed the general tranquillity of the Grange.

at the time that

From this reading She had scarcely entered on her toilet, however, when the fair Martha made her appearance.

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

From this reading Early as it was, however, she was sensible that the other members of the household had been up for some time previous, and that a bustle prevailed in the mansion, which, to say the least of it, was not customary, and might indicate an event of some importance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But the gentle Martha Follet, as her attendant was named, was not at hand, and Evaline was obliged to restrain her impatience, and so to hurry her toilet, with her own unaided hands, that she might descend at once to the breakfast-room, and acquire the desired information from a more direct source.