used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading RELICS AND A WELCOME.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading RELICS AND A WELCOME.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
BathnounUS /bæθ/
a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
blindsnounUS /blaɪndz/
plural of “blind” — people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
Cameron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
Cameron's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
cleaningnounUS /ˈkliːnɪŋ/
the act of making something clean
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
unvarying in nature
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
disreputable-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
doubtedverbUS /ˈdaʊtɪd/
past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
past form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a young female
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
housemaid's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a female domestic
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
maidservantnoun
a female domestic
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
missisnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
informal term of address for someone's wife
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a particular point in time
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
neatadjectiveUS /niːt/
clean or organized
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
make a painting
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
RELICSnounUS /ˈrelɪks/
plural of “relic” — an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
From this reading RELICS AND A WELCOME.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
snow-whiteadjective
of the white color of snow
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
summonsnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/
a request to be present
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
untidyadjectiveUS /ənˈtaɪdi/
not neat and tidy
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
VenetiannounUS /vəˈniːʃən/
a resident of Venice
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Cameron's house in Bath was decidedly old-fashioned.
accept gladly
From this reading RELICS AND A WELCOME.
at the time that
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
which person or people
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading When a certain wild, untidy, almost disreputable-looking girl ran up its snow-white steps, and rang its highly polished brass bell, the neat parlor maid who answered her summons stared at her, and doubted a good deal if Mrs. Cameron could see her.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading It was a large, solemn, handsome mansion; its windows shone from constant cleaning; its paint was always fresh, its Venetian blinds in perfect order.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
you've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You had better step into the hall for a moment," said the maidservant, "and I'll inquire if my missis is at leisure; but if it's the new housemaid's place you've come after----" Flower gasped; she drew herself up, raised her hand, and took off her small black velvet cap.
