Chapter IV

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

possessing life

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

(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 dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

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

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

in a brisk manner

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

past form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

the act of conquering

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

plural of “distance” — the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

underpants worn by men

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

furniture with drawers for keeping clothes

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

in a serious manner

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

apart from; not including

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

the organ of sight

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

elaborate or showy attire and accessories

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

guided by whim and fancy

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

in a gay manner

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

the act of giving

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

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

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

to hook or entangle

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

plural of “implement” — instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

worth remembering

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

someone who makes and sells hats

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

a city in northeastern France in Lorraine

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

having been turned so that the bottom is no longer the bottom

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

of or relating to or characteristic of Paris or its inhabitants

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

a town in central Arizona

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

careful or finicky grooming

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

showing possibility of achievement or excellence

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

-ing form of “rummage” — search haphazardly

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

in a ruthless manner

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

Identical; not different.

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

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

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

having the sense of smell

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

have in common; held or experienced in common

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

(plural) hand shears for cutting sheet metal

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

plural of “stem” — (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

inflected form of “strew” — spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

past form of “succumb” — consent reluctantly

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

in utter disorder

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

not restrained or controlled

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

undergarment worn next to the skin and under the outer garments

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading A fresh, slightly scented haze of powder drifted up as Nancy briskly dusted her arms and shoulders, and then earnestly performed the same attentions for Alma.

under normal conditions

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

precisely as stated

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

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

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

at the time that

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

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

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

which person or people

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The dresser, usually a very model of good order--except when Alma had been rummaging about it unchecked--was strewn with hairpins, manicuring implements, snips of ribbon and the stems of fresh flowers; all the drawers were partly open, projecting at unequal distances, and giving glimpses of the girls' simple underwear, which had been ruthlessly overturned in frantic scramblings for such finery as they possessed.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading LADIES OF FASHION The little bedroom which Alma and Nancy shared together wore a gaily topsy-turvy appearance on that memorable night--quite as if it had succumbed to the mood of flighty joy which was in the air.

a late time of life

From this reading Mrs. Prescott sat on the edge of the bed, alive with interest in the primping, and taking as keen a delight in her daughters' ball-going as she had done in her own preparations for conquest twenty years before.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading As critical as a Parisian modiste, she cocked her pretty head on one side and surveyed the girls with an expression of alertness mingled with satisfaction--such as you might see on the face of a clever business man who watches the promising development of a smart plan, with elation, though not without an eye ready to detect the slightest hitch.