Chapter I

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

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

later than; following

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

in the past

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

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

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

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

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

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

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

being joined in close association

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

plural of “cut” — a share of the profits

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

the state of containing nothing

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

an opposing military force

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

a social unit living together

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

the act of departing

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

flesh of any of various grouse of the family Tetraonidae; usually roasted; flesh too dry to broil

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

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

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

(Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

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

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

moving to the inside of something

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

the sound of laughing

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

third-person singular of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

secure in or as if in a berth or dock

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

past form of “mourn” — feel sadness

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

in motion

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

not any; not one

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

and nothing more

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

plural of “pal” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

spoil as if by poison

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

consisting of fine particles

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

possession of controlling influence

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

first in rank or degree

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

an abundance of material possessions and resources

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

without speaking

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

with sincerity; without pretense

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

term of address for a man

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

very large in expanse or scope

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

make square

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

a man who courts a woman

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

express in words

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

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

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

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

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

not loved

From this reading She had not sold herself to an unloved suitor.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

void of intelligence or thought

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

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

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

at the time that

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

in or at the place that

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

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

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.

which person or people

From this reading "That small, small, imperceptible Small talk! that cuts like powdered glass Ground in Tophana,--who can tell Where lurks the power the poison has?"

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

a late time of life

From this reading This sense of desolation, of a melancholy silence and emptiness, came upon Lady Perivale on her return to the mansion in Grosvenor Square, which was among the numerous good things of this world that had fallen into her lap, seven years ago, when she made one of the best matches of the season.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading She had been sincerely attached to Sir Hector Perivale, and had sincerely mourned him when, after two years of domestic happiness, he died suddenly, in the prime of life, from the consequences of a chill caught on his grouse moor in Argyleshire, where he and his young wife, and a few chosen pals, made life a perpetual picnic, and knew no enemy but foul weather.

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading There is the desolation of riches as well as the desolation of poverty--the empty splendour of a large house in which there is no going and coming of family life, no sound of light footsteps and youthful laughter--only spacious rooms and fine furniture, and one solitary figure moving silently amidst the vacant grandeur.