Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

(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 Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

using the voice; not silently

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

of or relating to the life and times of kings Charles I or Charles II of England

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

a person who is in charge

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

greatly pleased

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

with official authorization

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

so thin as to transmit light

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

usually; as a rule

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

coins made of gold

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

provincial capital and largest city of Nova Scotia

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

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

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

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

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

the force of workers available

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

a form of address for a man

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

not any; not one

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

in such a manner as to make something clearly evident

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

To recall to mind.

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

inspiring awe

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading My chief recollection is of Mrs. Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud, though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

cover with wax

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

of good upbringing

From this reading How they greeted us I do not now remember; no doubt, with a kind of well-bred formal surprise; but society was generally formal then.

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

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests, as the custom then was, especially in these small cosy supper-parties.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Mrs. Jessop's drawing-room, ruddy with fire-light, glittering with delicate wax candle-light; a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses, a few men, sublime in blue coats, gold buttons, yellow waistcoats, and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene, which was quite a novel scene to me.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Mr. Halifax, it is kind of you to come; Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.