Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

(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 Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “buckle” — fastener that fastens together two ends of a belt or strap; often has loose prong

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

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

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

past form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

put on clothes

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

having a specified kind of border or edge

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

the organ of sight

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

covered with beads or jewels or sequins

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

coins made of gold

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

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

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

putting the wrong interpretation on

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

not any; not one

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

do away with

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

past form of “range” — change or be different within limits

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

as claimed by and for yourself often without justification

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

the husband of your daughter

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

English poet who wrote an allegorical romance celebrating Elizabeth I in the Spenserian stanza (1552-1599)

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

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

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

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

From this reading Great troups of people travelled thitherward Both day and night, of each degree and place.--SPENSER.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading There were pictures on the walls, and long ranks of chairs ranged round, and card-tables were set out in order.

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

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

(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 Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

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

From this reading The reception rooms were less adorned than the lady’s private apartment.

during the time that

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Much against their will, Major Delavie and his _soi-disant_ son-in-law set forth for Lady Belamour’s entertainment, thinking no opportunity of collecting intelligence was to be despised; while she probably wished to obviate all reports of a misunderstanding as well as to keep them under her own eye.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The ladies sat in rows, and the gentlemen stood in knots and talked, all in full dress, resplendent figures in brilliant velvet, gold lace, and embroidery, with swords by their sides, cocked hats, edged with gold or silver lace, under their arms, and gemmed shoe buckles.