used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
highly skilled
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
(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 Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
ante-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
any thing at all
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
beamedverbUS /biːmd/
past form of “beam” — smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
see with attention
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
Clerk'snounUS /klɜːrks/
possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
compiledverbUS /kəmˈpaɪld/
past form of “compile” — get or gather together
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
being joined in close association
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
approval
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
dictionarynounUS /ˈdɪkʃəneri/
a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
dismissedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmɪst/
having lost your job
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
psychological suffering
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
distressinglyadverbUS /dɪˈstresɪŋli/
unpleasantly
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
make full, also in a metaphorical sense
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
forgettingverbUS /fərˈɡetɪŋ/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
formalitiesnounUS /fɔːrˈmælətiz/
a requirement of etiquette or custom
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
set up or found
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
functionarynounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃəneri/
a worker who holds or is invested with an office
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
genialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒiːnjəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
of great significance or value
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
informingnounUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law (usually in return for favors)
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
interpretationnounUS /ˌɪntɜːrprɪˈteɪʃən/
a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
Kent-Lauriston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
go away from a place
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
Legationnoun
the post or office of legate
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
legitimatelyadverbUS /ləˈdʒɪtəmətli/
in a manner acceptable to common custom
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
take the midday meal
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
come together
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
make reference to
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
and nothing more
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
parlousadjective
fraught with danger
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
protocolsnounUS /ˈproʊtəkɔːlz/
plural of “protocol” — (computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
ratificationnounUS /ˌrætəfəˈkeɪʃən/
making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
routinenounUS /ruːˈtiːn/
an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
seemingadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmɪŋ/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
treatynounUS /ˈtriːti/
a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
From this reading A LADY IN DISTRESS After lunch the Secretary returned to the Legation and made out his report to his Minister, concerning the treaty.
trickyadjectiveUS /ˈtrɪki/
not to be trusted
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
uninformedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈfɔːrmd/
not informed; lacking in knowledge or information
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/
the activity of making visits
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
votenounUS /voʊt/
a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading This done, he was about to leave the office in order to meet his appointment with Kent-Lauriston, when John, the genial functionary of the Legation, beamed upon him from the door, presenting him a visiting card, and informing him that a lady was waiting in the ante-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
at the time that
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
whimsicaladjectiveUS /ˈwɪmzɪkəl/
determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading He had looked up the word "parlous" in the dictionary, and found that it meant, "whimsical, tricky,"--a sinister interpretation he felt, when connected with anything diplomatic; moreover the Foreign Office was distressingly uninformed on the subject, another reason for suspicion.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading Doubtless the visit was nothing more than a bit of routine work, and his private affairs seeming for the time more important, he dismissed it from his mind as not worthy of serious consideration and compiled an elaborate report of three pages, not forgetting to mention the arrival of the Chief Clerk's lunch, as matter which might legitimately be used to fill up space.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet, as far as he knew--only the mere formalities of settlement remained, the ratification by vote of his home Government--the exchange of protocols--and behold it was accomplished--much to the credit of his Minister and the satisfaction of all concerned.
