Chapter XI

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

(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 Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

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

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

expected hopefully

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

including all or everything

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

the best people or things in a group

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

freedom to act or judge on one's own

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

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

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

having made preparations

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

superlative of “fair” — free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

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

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

ten 10s

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

citadel of Moscow, housing the offices of the Russian government

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

the childhood of a girl

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

engage in

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

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

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

a city of central European Russia; formerly capital of both the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia; since 1991 the capital of the Russian Federation

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

as follows

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

not any; not one

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

express a supposition

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

below the required standards for a purpose

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading Indeed, there were no more than two hundred, in all, that now awaited in the _terem_ of the palace in the Kremlin the verdict of the Tsar or of those who would choose for him.

precisely as stated

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

past form of “weed” — clear of weeds

From this reading Many were first weeded out as unfit before the final few, the very cream and perfection of Russian maidenhood, were despatched to the capital.

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

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

which person or people

From this reading Not all who would fain have come were permitted to make the journey.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading And so, doubtless, would it have been but that a wise discretion had been left in the hands of those agents in each district to whom had been entrusted the duty of selecting and despatching the maidens.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.

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

From this reading One would suppose that with so comprehensive an order published throughout Russia, namely, that the fairest maidens from every part should be despatched to the city for the convenience of the Tsar in his choice of a bride, the whole of Moscow would be full of young women.