Chapter XV

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

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

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

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

past form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

a light four-wheel horse-drawn ceremonial carriage

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

educate for a future role or function

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading "WHEN WOMEN HOLD THE REINS."

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

in a nimble or agile manner; with quickness and lightness and ease

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

plural of “rein” — one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse

From this reading "WHEN WOMEN HOLD THE REINS."

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

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

From this reading "WHEN WOMEN HOLD THE REINS."

a special situation

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

relating to or celebrating a triumph

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

a hole for the escape of gas or air

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

in a vicious manner

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

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

From this reading A groom was driving a splendid carriage-and-four up and down before the house.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

at the time that

From this reading "WHEN WOMEN HOLD THE REINS."

beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

which person or people

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.

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

From this reading The groom sprang nimbly into his place behind her, and away like the wind went the modern Victory in her triumphal chariot, as if rushing to breathe vengeance and hate into hosts fighting upon the battle-plain.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

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

From this reading "WHEN WOMEN HOLD THE REINS."

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

From this reading Breathless with rage, the Worronska descended the stairs and left the house.

intense anger (usually on an epic scale)

From this reading She beckoned to him; he drove up and sprang down to assist his mistress, who, mounted upon the box, took the reins and whip, and, relieved by being able to vent her wrath upon some living thing, cut viciously at her impatient horses.