Chapter IX

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

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, etc.

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

(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 THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

closed to traffic

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

having or covered with or accompanied by blood

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

a festival marked by merrymaking and processions

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “chairman” — the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “coach” — (sports) someone in charge of training an athlete or a team

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “crevice” — a long narrow depression in a surface

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

-ing form of “except” — take exception to

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

opinion or judgment

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

offering fun and gaiety

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

streaming or flapping or spreading wide as if in a current of air

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “four” — the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

an old word meaning “to this place”

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

any place of pain and turmoil

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

immediately past

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

the sound of laughing

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

-ing form of “minister” — attend to the wants and needs of others

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

a long close-fitting coat worn for riding in the 19th century

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

not any; not one

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

plural of “nose” — the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

and nothing more

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

go across or through

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

plural of “six” — the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

the power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

create by training and teaching

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

during the time that

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

which person or people

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

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

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

possessive form of “williams” — United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)

From this reading People had begun already to put the pair in this sequence, and laughed, in their sleeves, at it and at William’s tolerance, for no one despised my Lord Marlborough more than that astute, cool-headed monarch, who knew him to be as false as he was brilliant.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE WEARING OF THE GREEN THAT night was the night of Devonshire’s great ball and all Newmarket was agog, streets were blocked with fours and sixes—the great coaches jammed in rows, with fighting, swearing coachmen and postilions.

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

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

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

From this reading The king, it was true, would not be there; his cough—or despatches from France, it was whispered—would keep him in bed that festive night, but Lady Marlborough was there and in her train the Princess Anne.

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

From this reading Excepting only the king himself, the whole world of fashion was at the ball, and the house was dressed with green boughs and flowers, rushes and sweet seg, and a wassail bowl stood in the hall wreathed with blossoms.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading As for the chairs, they were blocked in so closely that half the chairmen had black eyes or bloody noses in the morning; and the link-boys, let loose in this carnival, ran hither and yon, with their lanthorns flaring in the wind like ministering imps in an inferno, while the country people and the tavern tipsters and the market women filled up the last crevices, to see beauty and fashion pass in and out the flaring doorway, whence came strains of music and the sounds of laughter.