Chapter XL

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

past form of “adjourn” — close at the end of a session

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

later than; following

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

(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 Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

on or to one side

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

plural of “bedroom” — a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

conspicuously new

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading CONCLUSION.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a room used for dining

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

-ing form of “disclose” — make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

plural of “elm” — any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

divisible by two

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

to or in any or all places

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

past form of “flutter” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

brought together in one place

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

immediately past

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

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

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

plural of “maid” — a female domestic

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

plural of “napkin” — a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The house was full of flowers,--it was full of commotion.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

plural of “ribbon” — any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

an area where a number of shrubs are planted

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

having a supporting base

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

push forcefully

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

up to a particular time

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

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

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

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

From this reading Some time after this last calamity a large party was assembled, one bright October morning, in the drawing-room at The Elms.

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

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

at the time that

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

in or at the place that

From this reading The dining-room door stood open, disclosing more flowers; a large, long table, covered with the remains of a feast; chairs thrust aside, and white napkins lying about as they had been left when the party adjourned into the drawing-room, where they had all gathered together in bright-coloured groups, waiting till the bride should be ready.

a Caucasian

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Many carriages had cut up the orderly little gravel drive round the shrubbery in front,--the door had been standing open all the morning, there were groups of people everywhere, even in the bedrooms, and the maids, in white ribbons, fluttered about the staircase, and bran-new trunks, with shining leather covers, stood in the hall.