used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
(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 There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
basketsnounUS /ˈbæskəts/
plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
Bellendean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
business-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
counselled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
coversnounUS /ˈkʌvərz/
plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
defendantnounUS /dɪˈfendənt/
a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
dependants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
feminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
formidable-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
homelyadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmli/
lacking in physical beauty or proportion
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
interviewedverbUS /ˈɪntərvjuːd/
past form of “interview” — conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
landscapesnounUS /ˈlændskeɪps/
plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
a room where books are kept
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
neighboursnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
paraphernalianounUS /ˌperəfəˈneɪljə/
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
parishnounUS /ˈpærɪʃ/
a local church community
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
pooreradjectiveUS /ˈpuːrər/
comparative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
reproved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
respondentnounUS /rɪˈspɑːndənt/
the codefendant (especially in a divorce proceeding) who is accused of adultery with the corespondent
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
retainersnounUS /rɪˈteɪnərz/
plural of “retainer” — a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/
Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
shrubberynounUS /ˈʃrʌbəri/
an area where a number of shrubs are planted
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
sternnessnounUS /ˈstɜːrnnəs/
the quality (as of scenery) being grim and gloomy and forbidding
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
Sunday-school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
transactedverbUS /trænˈsæktɪd/
past form of “transact” — conduct business
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
vanitiesnounUS /ˈvænətiz/
plural of “vanity” — feelings of excessive pride
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a little business-room, but the business in it was chiefly feminine.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
which person or people
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
whoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was the room in which Mrs. Bellendean interviewed those of her dependants or retainers who came to ask her advice, or whom she sent for to be reproved or counselled.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The windows looked into a closely surrounding shrubbery, which shut out the view--as if landscapes and such vanities had nothing to do with the sternness of the business transacted here.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading There were baskets of work, shelves full of books in homely covers, a parish or Sunday-school library, and all the paraphernalia of a country lady who ‘takes an interest’ in her poorer neighbours.
writing-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her own chair stood in front of a formidable-looking writing-table, and one other stood close by, awaiting the respondent or defendant, whoever he or she might be.
