Chapter XLII · Chapter 42

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

(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 the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

(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 “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

fruit preserved by cooking with sugar

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

without stop or interruption

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

at any time

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

a social unit living together

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

set up or found

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

an established custom

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Richard II.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

not liable to or capable of change

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

a woman of refinement

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

tangled in a dense mass

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

used to form the superlative

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

held or filled or in use

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

in a regular manner

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

hold back within

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

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

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading Richard II.

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

a town in central Vermont

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

the act of separating grain from chaff

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

confined on all sides

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

except if; if not

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

the act of using

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

precisely as stated

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

clean by virtue of having been washed in water

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

possessive form of “wilson” — author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson’s own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading “It was,” she said, “better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood’s apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;” and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard’s friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.