Chapter XXI · The Wife’s Journey

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

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

not being in a specified place

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

any thing at all

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

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

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

affect with wonder

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

a city in East Sussex in southern England that is a popular resort; site of the University of Sussex

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

a female human offspring

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

causing displeasure or lacking pleasing qualities

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

someone who escorts and protects a prominent person

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

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

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

a social unit living together

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

joined in matrimony

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

the mother of your spouse

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

on one occasion

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

past form of “pine” — have a desire for something or someone who is not present

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

only a very short time before

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

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

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

fill with terror; frighten greatly

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

precisely as stated

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

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

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

(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 Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Hester anxiously endeavoured to find out whether there was anything in the ways of her household which was displeasing to her mother.

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

From this reading Mr. Pye had once been obliged to visit London on business, and Mrs. Parndon took advantage of his escort to visit her daughter, which she had not previously appeared inclined to do.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Her visit was, however, very short, as she declared that she always pined for home,—that she was bewildered with the bustle of London,—that she could not sleep well in any house but her own; and that, in short, Haleham was the best place for her.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Edgar happened to be absent—gone down to Brighton for a holiday—which was very well, as it was certain that there was much in his habits which would astonish and terrify his good mother-in-law.

a late time of life

From this reading Hester had been married four years, and had scarcely seen the face of an old friend in all that time.