Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

a lady's bedroom or private sitting room

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

remove the dust from

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

divisible by two

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

plural of “handbill” — an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

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

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

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

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

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

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

the offspring at one birth of a multiparous mammal

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

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

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

plural of “pamphlet” — a small book usually having a paper cover

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

plural of “poster” — a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

most frequent or common

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

superlative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading Lady Wolfer cleared a chair by sweeping the books from it, and gently pushed Nell into it.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

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

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

the upper part of anything

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading There was a piano, it is true; but its top was loaded with handbills and posters announcing meetings, and the dust lay thick on its lid.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

under normal conditions

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was as unlike a boudoir as it well could be; for the furniture was of the simplest kind, and in place of the elegant trifles with which the fair sex usually delight to surround themselves, the tables, the couch, and even the chairs were littered with solid-looking volumes, blue books, pamphlets, and sheets of manuscript paper.

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

From this reading Lady Wolfer led Nell to her ladyship's own room.

the act of creating written works

From this reading The writing table was better suited to an office than a lady's "own room," and it was strewn with the prevailing litter.