Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

in the past

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

recognize with gratitude; be grateful for

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

make a high-pitched, screeching noise

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

past form of “flatter” — praise somewhat dishonestly

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the capital of Kentucky; located in northern Kentucky

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

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

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a hat made of felt with a creased crown

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

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

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

immediately past

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

for the most part

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

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 The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

held or filled or in use

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

on one occasion

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

and nothing more

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a human being

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the speech act of making something evident

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

express in words

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

a particular situation

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

a male human offspring

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

required or under orders

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

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

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

a light clear metallic sound as of a small bell

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

having come into contact

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

in the direction of

From this reading It was on the terrace of the Kursaal at Homburg, nearly ten years ago, one beautiful night toward the end of July.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

precisely as stated

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

(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 I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

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

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

during the time that

From this reading The excellent band discoursed music not too abstruse, while the air was filled besides with the murmur of different languages, the smoke of many cigars, the creak on the gravel of the gardens of strolling shoes and the thick tinkle of beer-glasses.

which person or people

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

belonging to which person

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

a late time of life

From this reading I was once treated to a revelation which startled and touched me in the nature of a person with whom I had been acquainted--well, as I supposed--for years, whose character I had had good reasons, heaven knows, to appreciate and in regard to whom I flattered myself I had nothing more to learn.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Never say you know the last words about any human heart!

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading I had come to the place that day from Frankfort, with vague intentions, and was mainly occupied in waiting for my young nephew, the only son of my sister, who had been entrusted to my care by a very fond mother for the summer--I was expected to show him Europe, only the very best of it--and was on his way from Paris to join me.