used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
(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 Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among these was Lady Bell.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
beefnounUS /biːf/
cattle that are reared for their meat
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Among these was Lady Bell.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
(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 Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
chariotsnounUS /ˈtʃeriəts/
plural of “chariot” — a light four-wheel horse-drawn ceremonial carriage
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
cheerfulest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
clubsnounUS /klʌbz/
plural of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
every person
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
horsemennounUS /ˈhɔːrsmən/
plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Among these was Lady Bell.
a narrow way or road
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
mid-winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
not any; not one
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
plumadverbUS /plʌm/
exactly
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
preferredadjectiveUS /prəˈfɜːrd/
more desirable than another
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
puddingnounUS /ˈpʊdɪŋ/
any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
roastverbUS /roʊst/
cook with dry heat, usually in an oven
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
shiresnounUS /ʃaɪrz/
plural of “shire” — a former administrative district of England; equivalent to a county
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
make square
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
not in physical motion
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
sundryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Not a few have come to the conclusion that after all London is at its best and cheerfulest in mid-winter; and that plum pudding and roast beef can be enjoyed in a London square as well, if not better, than in the country.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Among these was Lady Bell.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
(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 There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were still "chariots and horsemen" in the park; and the clubs were pretty well frequented.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
which person or people
From this reading Christmas was near at hand; but notwithstanding that nearly everybody who had a country house, or an invitation to one, was away in the shires, London was by no means empty.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Although she had two or three country houses which she might have filled with guests, she, for sundry reasons, preferred to remain in Park Lane.
