Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

(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 A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

become of; happen to

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and especially games of chance

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

deprived of sight

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

past form of “canvass” — get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

the state of being certain

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading It was the same wound to credit, the same outrage on character.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

approval

From this reading It was the same wound to credit, the same outrage on character.

harmed or injured or spoiled

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

motivation based on ideas of right and wrong

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

divisible by two

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

at any time

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

an imperfection in an object or machine

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

not any; not one

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

many times at short intervals

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was the same wound to credit, the same outrage on character.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading It was the same wound to credit, the same outrage on character.

owed as a debt

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

by chance

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

the act of refusing

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

rebuffed (by a lover) without warning

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

Identical; not different.

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

express in words

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

a feeling of pride in yourself

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading It was a part of his peculiar ethics that a man thus rejected was damaged, pretty much as a bill that has been denied acceptance.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

in the direction of

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

precisely as stated

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

past form of “wager” — stake on the outcome of an issue

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

English writer and historian; son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797)

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

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

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

in or at the place that

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF FRONT Of all the discomfitures in life there was one which Cecil Walpole did not believe could possibly befall him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had canvassed the matter very often with himself, and always arrived at the same conclusion--that if a man were not a mere coxcomb, blinded by vanity and self-esteem, he could always know how a woman really felt towards him; and that where the question admitted of a doubt--where, indeed, there was even a flaw in the absolute certainty--no man with a due sense of what was owing to himself would risk his dignity by the possibility of a refusal.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

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

From this reading Indeed, if it could have been made a matter of betting, he would have wagered all he had in the world that no woman should ever be able to say she refused his offer of marriage.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading It was the same wound to credit, the same outrage on character.