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Petticoat Rule
Petticoat Rule

Chapter X

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Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
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THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.
His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.
And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.
For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.
M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Petticoat Rule

Chapter X

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.
Line 2
His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.
Line 3
And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.
Line 4
For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.
Line 5
M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

BEGGAR noun US /ˈbɛɡər/

a person who asks for money or food

From this reading “THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.”

Château noun US /ʃæˈtoʊ/

A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.

From this reading “THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.”

Need noun US /need/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Scarce adjective US /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading “His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.”

All words in this reading · 126

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

all

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

attended

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

bar

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

BEGGARnounUS /ˈbɛɡər/

a person who asks for money or food

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

bidding

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

caprice

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

certainly

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

Chevalier

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

ChâteaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/

A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

closed

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Comptroller-General

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

considered

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

Contrôleur

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

d'Aumont

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

d'Eglinton

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

day

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

de

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

direct

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

doors

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Duc

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

emanated

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

England

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

enjoyed

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

events

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

exist

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

expected

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

extravagances

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

favours

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

figurehead

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

Finance

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

France

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

frequent

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

graces

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

hand

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

hoped

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

HORSEBACK

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

important

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

interview

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From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

invariably

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From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

King

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

kissed

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

knew

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

la

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

largely

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

le

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From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

lever

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From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

levers

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

Louis

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

Lydie

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

M

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

Majesty

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

man

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Marquis

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

Marquise

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

Mme

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Monsieur

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

more

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

most

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

much

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

nation

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

neednounUS /need/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

occupied

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

OrdernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

own

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Peer

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

petit

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

petits

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

pleasure

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

Pompadour

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

powerful

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

reason

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

scarceadjectiveUS /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

set

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

social

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

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

softly

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

St

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

up

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

urgent

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

Versailles

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

very

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

waited

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

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

west

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading M. le Contrôleur very much enjoyed these _petits levers_ of his, which were considered the most important social events in Versailles.

whispered

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

From this reading And _le petit lever_ of M. le Contrôleur was certainly more largely attended than that of M. le Duc d'Aumont, or even--softly be it whispered--than that of His Majesty himself.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

wing

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

From this reading THE BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK Monsieur le Marquis d'Eglinton, Comptroller-General of Finance, Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, Peer of England and of France, occupied the west wing of the Château of Versailles.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading His Majesty the King had frequent and urgent need of him; Mme. de Pompadour could scarce exist a day without an interview behind closed doors with the most powerful man in France: with him, who at the bidding of the nation, was set up as a bar to the extravagances of her own caprice.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading For although every one knew that M. le Marquis was but a figurehead, and that all graces and favours emanated direct from the hand of Mme. la Marquise Lydie, yet every one waited upon his good pleasure, for very much the same reason that those who expected or hoped something from the King invariably kissed the hand of Mme. de Pompadour.