used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
angelsnounUS /ˈeɪndʒəlz/
plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
assemblagenounUS /əˈsemblədʒ/
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
Boyars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
bridegroomnounUS /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/
a man who has recently been married
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
a young person of either sex
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
choosingverbUS /ˈtʃuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
decreeverbUS /dɪˈkriː/
issue a decree
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
devilsnounUS /ˈdevəlz/
plural of “devil” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
divisible by two
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
forsoothadverb
an archaic word originally meaning “in truth” but now usually used to express disbelief
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
usually; as a rule
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
Ivan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
Kurbatof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
maidensnounUS /ˈmeɪdənz/
plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
engage in
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
come together
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
the force of workers available
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
overmuchnoun
a quantity that is more than what is appropriate
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/
denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
without much difficulty
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
shynessnounUS /ˈʃaɪnəs/
a feeling of fear of embarrassment
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
Sophia's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
express in speech
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
subjectedverbUS /səbˈdʒektɪd/
past form of “subject” — cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
carry out
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading These Boyars, by Sophia’s decree, should have the first chance for their daughters; for it was hoped that Ivan might more readily take a fancy to the child of one whom he already knew than to some stranger.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
a special situation
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
timiditynounUS /təˈmɪdəti/
fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
TsarnounUS /zɑːr/
a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
Tsaritsanoun
the wife or widow of a czar
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
Vera
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
weepverbUS /wiːp/
shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
(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 These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were two or three other maidens besides Vera who were thus, like her, subjected to a preliminary and private inspection by Ivan.
at the time that
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
which person or people
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
belonging to which person
From this reading These were the daughters of Boyars whose position at Court brought them constantly into the presence of the Tsar, and whom he therefore knew well and could meet and speak to without overmuch timidity and shyness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Meanwhile a significant thing happened with regard to her who was generally believed to be as good as chosen beforehand to be Tsaritsa.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A sight to make angels weep and devils smile was it, men said, when Vera Kurbatof--before the great choosing, and I think before the assemblage even of the maidens--was summoned to the palace in order that the bridegroom Tsar (forsooth!) might first see her at his leisure and without the excitement of a throng around him.
