used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
inflected form of “behold” — see with attention
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
certificatenounUS /sərˈtɪfɪkət/
a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
Cointet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
colorlessadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərləs/
lacking in variety and interest
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
establishverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
set up or found
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
accept an excuse for
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
promote over another
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
set up or found
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
Francis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
godmother's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
grimaceverbUS /ˈɡrɪməs/
contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
Haye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
ill-temperedadjective
annoyed and irritable
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
L'Houmeau
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
take in marriage
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
Mlle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
Mme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
not any; not one
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
parentagenounUS /ˈperəntədʒ/
the state of being a parent
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
Petit-Claud's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
richestadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃəst/
superlative of “rich” — possessing material wealth
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
relieve from
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
cut with a saw
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
only a very short time before
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
Senonches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
shrewishadjective
continually complaining or faultfinding
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
spherenounUS /sfɪr/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Cointet saw the sufficiently significant expression of the young lady's face at the sight of the little lawyer, and turning, beheld a precisely similar grimace on Petit-Claud's countenance.
not known
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, ignorant of her real position, was very hard to please; the richest merchant in L'Houmeau had found no favor in her sight.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading Mme. de Senonches and Francis looked at each other, as if in search of an excuse for getting rid of the visitors.
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
in or at the place that
From this reading The "parentage unknown" on her birth certificate was the real bar to her entrance into the sphere where her godmother's affection stove to establish her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mlle. de la Haye, a shrewish young woman with an ill-tempered face, a waist that could scarcely be called slender, a thin figure, and colorless, fair hair, in spite of a certain little air that she had, was by no means easy to marry.
