Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

how long something has existed

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

(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 Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

put on clothes

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

one or the other of two

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

divisible by two

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

set up or found

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

the act of departing

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

disposed to please

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

in an attractively handsome manner

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

third-person singular of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

the literary culture

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

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

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading But while there was nothing lovely, there was nothing unpleasant or uncomely in Miss Balquidder.

engage in

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

characterized by method and orderliness

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

befitting a mother; warm and nurturing

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

clean or organized

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

in an essential manner

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

impressive in appearance

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But while there was nothing lovely, there was nothing unpleasant or uncomely in Miss Balquidder.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

primly fastidious

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

on one occasion

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

past form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

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

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

(of persons) pleasant in appearance and personality

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

the quality of being appealing in a delicate or graceful way (of a girl or young woman)

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

not often

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

superlative of “rare” — not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

on the contrary

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

Identical; not different.

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

not often

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

not in physical motion

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

thick woolen fabric used for clothing; originated in Scotland

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

From this reading But while there was nothing lovely, there was nothing unpleasant or uncomely in Miss Balquidder.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading But while there was nothing lovely, there was nothing unpleasant or uncomely in Miss Balquidder.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

(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 Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

in or at the place that

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

during the time that

From this reading But while there was nothing lovely, there was nothing unpleasant or uncomely in Miss Balquidder.

a Caucasian

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

which person or people

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading She had that quality--too rarely, alas! in all people, and rarest in women going solitary down the hill of life--of being able, out of the deep content of her own nature, to make other people the same.

(used as an intensifier) extremely well

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Her large figure, in its plain black silk dress; her neat white cap, from under which peeped the little round curls of flaxen hair, neither gray nor snowy, but real "lint-white locks" still; and her good-humored, motherly look--motherly rather than old-maidish--gave an impression which may be best described by the word "comfortable."--She was a "comfortable" woman.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.

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

From this reading Miss Balquidder's house was a handsome one, handsomely furnished, and a neat little to aid-servant showed Hilary at once into the dining-parlor, where the mistress sat before a business-like writing-table, covered with letters, papers, etc., all arranged with that careful order in disorder which indicates, even in the smallest things, the possession of an accurate, methodical mind, than which there are few greater possessions, either to its owner or to the world at large.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading Miss Balquidder was not a personable woman; she had never been so even in youth; and age had told its tale upon those large, strong features--"thoroughly Scotch features," they would have been called by those who think all Scotchwomen are necessarily big, raw-boned, and ugly; and have never seen that wonderfully noble beauty--not prettiness, but actual beauty in its highest physical as well as spiritual development--which is not seldom found across the Tweed.