used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
archnounUS /ɑːrtʃ/
a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
austeritynounUS /ˌɔːˈsterɪti/
the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
CannonnounUS /ˈkænən/
a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
clothing in general
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
condescendingadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
condoneverbUS /kənˈdoʊn/
excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
constructedverbUS /kənˈstrʌktəd/
past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
conventionalitynoun
conformity with conventional thought and behavior
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
recognizable; marked
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
dog-collars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
floridadjectiveUS /ˈflɔːrəd/
elaborately or excessively ornamented
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
formaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/
being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
fringenounUS /frɪndʒ/
the outside boundary or surface of something
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
HyacinthnounUS /ˈhaɪəsɪnθ/
a red transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
immediately past
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
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 Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
moderatelyadverbUS /ˈmɑːdərətli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
necklacesnounUS /ˈnekləsɪz/
plural of “necklace” — jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
and nothing more
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
on the contrary
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
royaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/
of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
Identical; not different.
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
sicklyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkli/
unhealthy looking
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
solelyadverbUS /ˈsoʊəli/
without any others being included or involved
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
sympatheticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/
of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
TodaynounUS /təˈdeɪ/
the present time or age
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
under normal conditions
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading Her throat and figure seemed made solely to show off dog-collars and long necklaces; her head seemed constructed specially for the wearing of a dark red royal fringe and other ornaments.
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Today she was in her most cheerful and condescending mood, in fact she was what is usually called in a good temper.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
wilfuladjective
done by design
From this reading It was a great satisfaction to her that Hyacinth was at last settled; and she decided to condone the rather wilful way in which the engagement had been finally arranged without reference to her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading 'Engaged' Lady Cannon sat in her massive, florid clothes, that always seemed part of her massive, florid furniture, and to have the same expression of violent, almost ominous conventionality, without the slightest touch of austerity to tone it down.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading With the touch of somewhat sickly sentiment common to most hard women, she took great pleasure in a wedding (if it were only moderately a suitable one), and was prepared to be arch and sympathetic with the engaged couple whom she expected today to pay her a formal visit.
