used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
aboundedverbUS /əˈbaʊndɪd/
past form of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
airyadjectiveUS /ˈeri/
open to or abounding in fresh air
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
(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 It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
arm-chairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
aspireverbUS /əˈspaɪr/
have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
BARNnounUS /bɑːrn/
an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
Betty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/
the state of being certain
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
circularadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrkjələr/
having the shape or form of a circle
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
convivialitynoun
a jovial nature
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
countyside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
cumbrousadjective
difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
curdier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
true confidential information
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
dinner-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
else's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
to or in any or all places
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
fineradjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnər/
(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
flavournoun
the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
heatedadjectiveUS /ˈhiːtəd/
made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
set afire or burning
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
luxuriousadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriəs/
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
massive-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
moderateverbUS /ˈmɑːdərət/
preside over
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
muttonnounUS /ˈmʌtən/
meat from a mature domestic sheep
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
nighadjectiveUS /naɪ/
not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
O'SHEA'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
and nothing more
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
pretentiousadjectiveUS /priˈtenʃəs/
making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
racieradjectiveUS /ˈreɪsiər/
comparative of “racy” — full of zest or vigor
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
repudiatedverbUS /riˈpjuːdieɪtɪd/
past form of “repudiate” — cast off
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
salmonnounUS /ˈsæmən/
any of various large food and game fishes of northern waters; usually migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
in or at that place or location
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
traditionsnounUS /trəˈdɪʃənz/
plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
uglinessnounUS /ˈʌɡlinəs/
qualities of appearance that do not give pleasure to the senses
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
unrivalledadjective
eminent beyond or above comparison
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
precisely as stated
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The most massive-looking but luxurious old arm-chairs, that modern taste would have repudiated for ugliness, abounded everywhere; and the four cumbrous but comfortable seats that stood around the circular dinner-table--and it was a matter of principle with Miss Betty that the company should never be more numerous--only needed speech to have told of traditions of conviviality for very nigh two centuries back.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading O'SHEA'S BARN There were many more pretentious houses than O'Shea's Barn.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading The rooms were airy and cheerful, with flowers in summer, as they were well heated and well lighted in winter.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
woodcocks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for a dinner at the Barn, the whole countyside confessed that they never knew how it was that Miss Betty's salmon was 'curdier' and her mountain mutton more tender, and her woodcocks racier and of higher flavour, than any one else's.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would have been easy enough to discover larger rooms and finer furniture, more numerous servants and more of display in all the details of life; but for an air of quiet comfort, for the certainty of meeting with every material enjoyment that people of moderate fortune aspire to, it stood unrivalled.
