Chapter VIII · Christmas Eve

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

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

(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 In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

the two together, not just one

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

inflected form of “breed” — call forth

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Jaume Deydier was, of course, master in his own house.

a female human offspring

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

wanted intensely

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

lack of agreement or harmony

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

at any time

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

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

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

according to habit or custom

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

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

From this reading Jaume Deydier was, of course, master in his own house.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

held dear

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

plural of “ma” — informal terms for a mother

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Jaume Deydier was, of course, master in his own house.

plural of “mode” — how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

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

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

and nothing more

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Jaume Deydier was, of course, master in his own house.

characteristic of a form of social organization in which the male is the family head and title is traced through the male line

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

past form of “penetrate” — pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

inflected form of “pet” — stroke or caress gently

From this reading That Nicolette had been indulged and petted both by her father and her old nurse, was only natural.

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a former province of southeastern France; now administered with Cote d'Azur

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

past form of “reign” — have sovereign power

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

not in physical motion

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

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

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

a special situation

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

very small

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

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

From this reading It was a very rare thing indeed for discord to hold sway at the mas.

in or at the place that

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.

which person or people

From this reading Perfect harmony reigned habitually between Jaume Deydier, his daughter and the old servant who had loved and cared for her ever since Nicolette had been a tiny baby, laid in Margaï’s loving arms by the hands of the dying mother.

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

From this reading In Provence, old traditions still prevail, and the principles of independence and equality bred by the Revolution had never penetrated into these mountain fastnesses, where primitive and patriarchal modes of life gave all the happiness and content that the women of the old country desired.