adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
aggravatedadjectiveUS /ˈæɡrəveɪtɪd/
made more severe or intense especially in law
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
ambitiousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪʃəs/
having a strong desire for success or achievement
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
amendsnounUS /əˈmendz/
a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
askedverbUS /æskt/
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
baptizedadjectiveUS /bæpˈtaɪzd/
having undergone the Christian ritual of baptism
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
CharlemagnenounUS /ˈʃɑːrləmeɪn/
king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor; conqueror of the Lombards and Saxons (742-814)
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
chilledverbUS /tʃɪld/
past form of “chill” — depress or discourage
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
crimenounUS /kraɪm/
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
denounUS /diː/
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
depthnounUS /depθ/
the extent downward or backward or inward
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
desiredadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪərd/
wanted intensely
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
distressnounUS /dɪˈstres/
psychological suffering
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
examplesnounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəlz/
plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
extremesnounUS /ekˈstriːmz/
plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
formerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/
at a previous time
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
graspingnounUS /ˈɡræspɪŋ/
understanding with difficulty
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
heartnounUS /hɑːrt/
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
heresies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
honorableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
hypocritenounUS /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/
a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
impotentadjectiveUS /ˈɪmpətənt/
lacking power or ability
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
lanounUS /lɑː/
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
MadamenounUS /ˈmædəm/
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
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 There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
mysterynounUS /ˈmɪstəri/
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
OnlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
perceptiblyadverb
in a noticeable manner
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
philosophicaladjectiveUS /ˌfɪləˈsɑːfɪkəl/
of or relating to philosophy or philosophers
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
possessornounUS /pəˈzesər/
a person who owns something
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
prodigalnounUS /ˈprɑːdɪɡəl/
a recklessly extravagant consumer
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
promptverbUS /prɑːmpt/
give an incentive for action
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
relapsedverbUS /riˈlæpst/
past form of “relapse” — deteriorate in health
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
Roche-Jugan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
rolenounUS /roʊl/
the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
sadadjectiveUS /sæd/
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
SaxonsnounUS /ˈsæksənz/
plural of “saxon” — a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons; dominant in England until the Norman Conquest
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
sonnounUS /sʌn/
a male human offspring
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
succeededverbUS /səkˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
transportnounUS /trænˈspɔːrt/
something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
tunics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
unravelling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Madame de la Roche-Jugan had given a kind reception to this sad prodigal son, but she chilled perceptibly on seeing him more discreet than she desired on certain subjects, the mystery of which she had set her heart upon unravelling.
Vautrot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
wantverbUS /wɑːnt/
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
welladverbUS /wel/
(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 Vautrot, in awaiting better times, had relapsed into his old role of hypocrite, in which he had formerly succeeded so well.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Only the evening before he had returned to the house of Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and made honorable amends for his philosophical heresies; for he was like the Saxons in the time of Charlemagne, who asked to be baptized every time they wanted new tunics.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Vautrot had at this time fallen into the depth of want and distress, which, if aggravated, would prompt him to evil and even to crime.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading There are many examples of the extremes to which this kind of intelligence, at once ambitious, grasping, yet impotent, can transport its possessor.
