Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

a process of increasing by addition (as to a collection or group)

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

(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 "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

having unlimited power

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

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

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

chair with a support on each side for arms

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

a cravat with wide square ends; secured with an ornamental pin

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

superlative of “black” — being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

a lady's bedroom or private sitting room

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

inflammation of the nose and throat with increased production of mucus

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

A fortress protecting a city, metaphorically representing the invincible inner sanctuary of the rational mind.

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

plural of “cold” — a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs)

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

color with dye

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the state of being employed or having a job

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

an opposing military force

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

entrap

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

divisible by two

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

the act of departing

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

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

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

United States musician who was the first to use the vibraphone as a jazz instrument (1913-2002)

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

incapable of failure or error

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

set down according to a plan

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

North American songbirds having a yellow breast

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

engage in

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

a means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

plural of “misgiving” — uneasiness about the fitness of an action

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

not any; not one

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

on one occasion

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

and nothing more

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

above and across; more than

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

uniquely or characteristically

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

approval to do something

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

very large; of exceptional size for its kind

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

inflected form of “prefer” — like better; value more highly

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

plural of “race” — any competition

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

plural of “remedy” — act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

express the need or desire for

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading I did not dare make the request myself; and I own I had great misgivings, even when I overheard from my boudoir the all-powerful John preferring his petition, which he did with a sort of abrupt good humour peculiarly his own.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

carry out

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

a special situation

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading "Only some quiet races near town; all amongst ourselves, you know--gentlemen riders, and that sort of thing."

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading Now, the cold in question had lasted its victim over the Ascot meeting, over our picnic to Richmond, and bade fair to give her employment during the greater part of the summer, so obstinate was the enemy when he had once possessed himself of the citadel; and under these circumstances I confess it appeared to me quite hopeless to ask her permission to accompany Cousin John on a long-promised expedition to Hampton Races.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

at the time that

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

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

From this reading When Aunt Deborah is laid up with one of _her_ colds she always has a wonderful accession of "propriety" accompanying the disorder; and that which would appear to her at the worst a harmless _escapade_ when in her usual health and spirits becomes a crime of the blackest dye when seen through the medium of barley-broth and water-gruel--these being Aunt Deborah's infallible remedies for a catarrh.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Going to take Kate out for another lark, aunt, if you have no objection," says John, plumping down into an armchair, and forthwith proceeding to entangle Aunt Deborah's knitting into the most hopeless confusion.