used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
attentionsnounUS /əˈtenʃənz/
plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
awenounUS /ɑː/
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
chattingverbUS /ˈtʃætɪŋ/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
cleverlyadverbUS /ˈklevərli/
in a clever manner
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
clumsyadjectiveUS /ˈklʌmzi/
lacking grace in movement or posture
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
complacentlyadverbUS /kəmˈpleɪsəntli/
in a self-satisfied manner
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
cropsnounUS /krɑːps/
plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
dancing-school
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
exhibitionnounUS /ˌeksəˈbɪʃən/
the act of exhibiting
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
farmersnounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
flirtationsnounUS /flərˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “flirtation” — playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
front-seats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
gigglingverbUS /ˈɡɪɡəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “giggle” — laugh nervously
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
gossipnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəp/
light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
insipidadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪpəd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
lozengesnounUS /ˈlɔːzəndʒəz/
plural of “lozenge” — a small aromatic or medicated candy
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
maidensnounUS /ˈmeɪdənz/
plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
Montfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
overflowingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərfloʊɪŋ/
covered with water
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
peanutsnounUS /ˈpiːnəts/
an insignificant sum of money; a trifling amount
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
prospectsnounUS /ˈprɑːspekts/
plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
rusticadjectiveUS /ˈrʌstɪk/
characteristic of rural life
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
savorverbUS /ˈseɪvər/
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
servesnounUS /sɜːrvz/
plural of “serve” — (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
speculatedverbUS /ˈspekjəleɪtɪd/
past form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
swains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE THEATRICALS.
THEATRICALS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE THEATRICALS.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
town-hall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
precisely as stated
From this reading A very mixed audience filled to overflowing the town-hall of Montfield.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
which person or people
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
wivesnounUS /waɪvz/
plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Behind these sat the farmers with their wives and daughters; the former regarding the curtain with a species of awe, while the latter indulged in clumsy flirtations with the rustic swains, who offered them delicate attentions in the shape of lozenges and peanuts.
youthsnounUS /juːðz/
plural of “youth” — a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading The talk here among the elders was chiefly of the crops and of cattle; while the youths and maidens speculated, giggling, upon the prospects of a dancing-school for the winter.
élite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the front-seats, which had been cleverly reserved for them by a small advance in price, were seated the _élite_ of the village, complacently chatting together of the weather, the exhibition, their servants, and such small gossip as serves to savor the somewhat insipid existence of a country village.
