adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/
a quantity of money
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
BrownnounUS /braʊn/
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
Colvin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
courtnounUS /kɔːrt/
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
dollarsnounUS /ˈdɑːlərz/
plural of “dollar” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
dueadjectiveUS /duː/
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
formeradjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmər/
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
fournounUS /fɔːr/
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
goodsnounUS /ɡʊdz/
plural of “good” — benefit
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
housesnounUS /ˈhaʊsəz/
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
KATY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
Katy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
landsnounUS /lændz/
plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
lumpernounUS /ˈlʌmpər/
a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
masonnounUS /ˈmeɪsən/
American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
MASTERnounUS /ˈmæstər/
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
meanverbUS /miːn/
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
moneynounUS /ˈmʌni/
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
monthnounUS /mʌnθ/
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
held or filled or in use
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
paidadjectiveUS /peɪd/
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
PAWNBROKER'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
perishverbUS /ˈperɪʃ/
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
possessedadjectiveUS /pəˈzest/
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
Redburn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
rentverbUS /rent/
let for money
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
respectnounUS /rɪˈspekt/
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
respectableadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektəbəl/
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
roomsnounUS /ruːmz/
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
seamstressnounUS /ˈsiːmstrɪs/
someone who makes or mends dresses
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
sensenounUS /sens/
a general conscious awareness
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
SHOPverbUS /ʃɑːp/
do one's shopping
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
SIMONnounUS /ˈsaɪmən/
one of the twelve Apostles (first century)
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
SNEED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
tailoress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
unpaidadjectiveUS /ənˈpeɪd/
not paid
From this reading She occupied two rooms, for which she paid four dollars a month, the amount of rent now due and unpaid.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
usingnounUS /ˈjuːzɪŋ/
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
VISITverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading KATY AND MASTER SIMON SNEED VISIT THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
washer-woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the former sense it was still occupied by very respectable families, though none of them possessed much of the "goods that perish in the using" Mrs. Redburn, the seamstress, was very respectable; Mrs. Colvin, the washer-woman, was very respectable, so were Mrs. Howard, the tailoress, Mr. Brown, the lumper, and Mr. Sneed, the mason.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Katy's mother lived in a small house, with three other families.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading The court in which Katy lived had once been the abode of many very respectable families, to use a popular word, for respectable does not always mean worthy of respect on account of one's virtues, but worthy of respect on account of one's lands, houses, and money.
