Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

endowed with authority

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

only a very short time before

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

for the reason that

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

-ing form of “bother” — take the trouble to do something; concern oneself

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

past form of “comment” — make or write a comment on

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

plural of “committee” — a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

plural of “constituent” — an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

involving financial matters

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

set up or found

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

brought under control and put to use

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

of great significance or value

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

plural of “machine” — any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

absolutely essential

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

not any; not one

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

many times at short intervals

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

a person who delivers a speech or oration

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

by chance

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

express in words

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

without shame

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

unwilling to spend (money, time, resources, etc.)

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading The post of deputy in the French Chamber is no sinecure.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

in or at that place or location

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

(ancient Rome) an official elected by the plebeians to protect their interests

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

precisely as stated

From this reading No man took more pleasure than M. de Nailles in finding himself in his own home--partly, perhaps, because circumstances compelled him to be very little there.

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

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

(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 He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading Besides his public duties, M. de Nailles was occupied by financial speculations--operations that were no doubt made necessary by the style of living commented on by his cousin, Madame de Monredon, who was as stingy as she was bitter of tongue.

a woman hired to suckle a child of someone else

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

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

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

which person or people

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He was not often an orator from the tribune, but he was absorbed by work in the committees--"Harnessed to a lot of bothering reports," as Jacqueline used to say to him.

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He had barely any time to give to those important duties of his position, by which, as is well known, members of the Corps Legislatif are shamelessly harassed by constituents, who, on pretence that they have helped to place the interests of their district in your hands, feel authorized to worry you with personal matters, such as the choice of agricultural machines, or a place to be found for a wet-nurse.