Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

superlative of “bold” — fearless and daring

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

-ing form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

a person considered as descended from some ancestor

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

command with authority

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

plural of “duke” — a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

a social unit living together

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

practices that are handed down from the past by tradition

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

engage in

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading For my part, I had almost lost the modest confidence which is, I believe, hereditary in the family of Cobson.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

-ing form of “recognize” — accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

put or confide something in a person or thing

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

a male human offspring

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

be standing; be upright

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

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

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

not known

From this reading Here was an unknown lady of the highest rank confessing a dreadful crime to a total stranger, and recognizing in that stranger her son, and the heir to an enormous property and a title as old--as old as British dukedoms, however old they may be.

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

From this reading It was a scene to make the boldest stand aghast.

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

From this reading Here the Duchess of Stalybridge paused; she had quite recovered that repose of manner and icy hauteur which, I understand, is the heritage of the house of Birkenhead.

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

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.

(law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer

From this reading Ouida would have said "heir to a title older than a thousand centuries," but I doubt if the English duke is so ancient as that, or a direct descendant of the Dukes of Edom mentioned in Holy Writ.