used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
anthemnounUS /ˈænθəm/
a song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
AustriannounUS /ˈɔːstriən/
a native or inhabitant of Austria
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
(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 A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
broodedverbUS /ˈbruːdɪd/
past form of “brood” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
cagenounUS /keɪdʒ/
an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
caricaturistnounUS /ˈkerəkətʃərəst/
someone who parodies in an exaggerated manner
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
cornicenoun
a decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
coved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
divannounUS /dɪˈvæn/
a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall)
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
dwarfsnounUS /dwɔːrfs/
plural of “dwarf” — a person who is markedly small
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
endeavoringverbUS /ɪnˈdevərɪŋ/
-ing form of “endeavor” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
fresconounUS /ˈfreskoʊ/
a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
general'snounUS /ˈdʒenərəlz/
possessive form of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
gorgeousadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/
dazzlingly beautiful
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
illustrationsnounUS /ˌɪləˈstreɪʃənz/
plural of “illustration” — artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
Klinger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
a particular point in time
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
an old word for “no”
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
coated with paint
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
paintingnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
parrotnounUS /ˈperət/
usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
perchedverbUS /pɜːrtʃt/
past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
PersiannounUS /ˈpɜːrʒən/
a native or inhabitant of Iran
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
persistentlyadverbUS /pərˈsɪstəntli/
in a persistent manner
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
plasterverbUS /ˈplæstər/
apply a heavy coat to
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
propertiesnounUS /ˈprɑːpərtiz/
plural of “property” — something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
one of four equal parts
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
rococonounUS /rəˈkoʊkoʊ/
fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
rugnounUS /rʌɡ/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
scirocco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
Sempaly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
deliver by singing
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
studionounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/
workplace for the teaching or practice of an art
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
stuffsnounUS /stʌfs/
plural of “stuff” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
tapestrynounUS /ˈtæpəstri/
something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
the upper part of anything
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
under normal conditions
From this reading Usually by this hour he had a number--nay sometimes too many.
someone who visits
From this reading The scirocco brooded in the atmosphere and the general was out of sorts; he could not get on with his painting, and though it was now a quarter to five not a visitor had he seen.
von
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading It was a gorgeous studio, with a coved ceiling painted in fresco and a _rococo_ plaster cornice, the walls hung with old tapestry, eastern stuffs and other "properties."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
at the time that
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A few days after the evening when Sempaly had given such brilliant proof of his talent as a caricaturist, General von Klinger was sitting in his studio on a divan covered with a picturesque Persian rug and endeavoring--having for the moment nothing better to do--to teach his parrot to sing the Austrian anthem--a loyal task which the bird, perched on the top of its cage, persistently refused to learn.
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading It was so large that men looked like dwarfs in it, and the general's works of art like illustrations cut out of a picture book.
